Snake and spider handlers needed for UQ study

People who handle snakes or spiders regularly are needed for an upcoming University of Queensland study.

According to UQ researcher Helena Purkis, snakes and spiders are often at the centre of irrational fears.

Her study is investigating whether fear of snakes and spiders is the result of genetics or is a learned behaviour.

“Some say this phobia stems from our ancient ancestors for whom snakes and spiders were daily threats. However, people also learn about snakes and spiders from an early age from parents and friends, the media and many other sources,” Ms Purkis said.

“So irrational fears may reflect the accumulation of a person’s learning across their own lifetime rather than a genetically transmitted preparedness.

“Researching people who handle snakes or spiders frequently can hold the key to uncovering how and why these creatures seem special.

“This section of the study will examine whether people who have plenty of experience with handling snakes or spiders respond differently to them than do less experienced or anxious people, ruling out a genetic explanation.

“If we find support for our learning explanation then we will be able to design more effective interventions for people who suffer from irrational anxieties as well as design prevention programs.”

Participants will be required to complete a set of computer tasks involving pictures of snakes and spiders. The tasks take approximately one hour and compensation for time and travel costs is available.

For information about participating in the study, please contact Ms Purkis (telephone 07 3365 6723, email: h.purkis@psy.uq.edu.au) or Dr Ottmar Lipp (telephone 07 3365 6385).

Media: For further information, contact Shirley Glaister (telephone 07 3365 2339, email: s.glaister@mailbox.uq.edu.au).