Why Do People Get Nervous in Elevators?

Elevators make people nervous because they feel small and trapped. Imagine being in a tiny room with strangers, it can feel like you're on stage! People might think the elevator will stop working or that someone will laugh at them, which makes their hearts beat faster.

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Examples

A kid gets nervous when the elevator stops between floors and he can't see his mom.
An adult freezes in the elevator because they forgot to bring their lunch and are worried about being judged.
A person feels their heart race when the elevator door closes suddenly.

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Categories: Psychology · elevator anxiety,social phobia,fear of enclosed spaces