13 June 2010 - Believe it or not, some Hong Kong people are afraid of nature. All phobias, according to the theory of classical conditioning, are learned by association. Objects, conditions or animals that originally produced neutral emotions can be altered when connected to negativity. And as most Hong Kong people claim to be too busy to go out in nature while growing up in high rise buildings, they may easily link nature with fear or anxiety. Trees may fall on our heads, mosquitos bite and spread nasty diseases, and grass is dirty. I read that for those living in fear of nature treatments are available using "systematic desensitization". The technique basically slowly exposes patients to low levels of stimulus. Gradually exposure to the stimulus can be increased, while teaching patients relaxation techniques. So next time your hear a Hong Kong companion complain s/he is too busy for a hike, you may remember that you have to suggest very very carefully.
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