Getting To Know Gamophobia, Fear Overcomes Relations Commitment

Illustration of fear of commitment (Freepic)

JAKARTA - Do you or those closest to you have excessive fear of a relationship's commitment? If you experience it, then it is related to gamophobia.

Gamophobia is a psychological condition in which a person feels afraid or does not want to be committed to a relationship, especially long-term ones such as marriage.

Fear of the commitment to gamophobia arises excessively and irrationally. This makes the sufferer tend to avoid long-term relationships, either romanticly, friendship, or other forms of relationship.

Quoted from the Cleveland Clinic, on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, it is different from the usual doubt about life's big decisions such as having a college or job major, gamophobia focuses on fear of personal and emotional relationships.

There are general signs that someone has gamophobia, among others, as follows.

- It's hard to have a lasting romantic relationship.- Feeling overly anxious when in a relationship, even when just imagining it.- Often break up suddenly without giving a definite explanation.- Refuse to date or have a relationship with anyone for a long time.

In addition, people with gamophobia can also experience physical and mental disorders when faced with a commitment to a relationship, as below.

- Experiencing dizziness, nausea, and stomach pain.- Excessive sweat.- An increased heart rate.- Shortness of breath and shaking.- Sudden digestive disorders.

Regarding the causes of promophobia, it is generally related to traumatic past experiences. Starting from painful relationships or domestic violence.

Gamophobia can also be caused by the fear of wrongly choosing a partner, the fear of losing personal freedom, the fear of believing in others, the fear of intimacy or sex, to the pressure from culture towards marriage.

If you experience these conditions, it should be addressed immediately by recognizing the causes of your gamophobia and seeking professional assistance. Gamophobia is usually treated in several ways, namely cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, and social support.