The High Place Phenomenon: Associations With Markers of Positive and Negative Mental Health in Individuals Suffering From Specific Phobia or Agoraphobia

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Main Authors: Lara Wiesmann, André Wannemüller, Tobias Teismann
Format: Artículo Open Access
Published: Wiley 2025
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author Lara Wiesmann
André Wannemüller
Tobias Teismann
author_facet Lara Wiesmann
André Wannemüller
Tobias Teismann
Lara Wiesmann
André Wannemüller
Tobias Teismann
collection Wiley Open Access
contents The High Place Phenomenon: Associations With Markers of Positive and Negative Mental Health in Individuals Suffering From Specific Phobia or Agoraphobia Lara Wiesmann André Wannemüller Tobias Teismann Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy ABSTRACTBackgroundThe Call of the Void phenomenon describes an inexplicable urge to consider dangerous or self‐destructive actions in certain situations. Previous studies have focused on the high place phenomenon (HPP), which is the sudden urge to jump from high places. One aim of this study is to replicate the previously found associations of HPP with suicidality and anxiety in a larger sample of patients suffering from flight phobia or agoraphobia. Furthermore, the influence of personality traits and protective factors, such as self‐efficacy and self‐esteem, will be examined to identify associations between the HPP and potential markers of both positive and negative mental health.MethodsThe study sample comprised 612 patients (76% female; Mage = 43.77, SDage = 12.82) suffering from clinically relevant fear of flying. Participants filled out questionnaires on experiences with the high place phenomenon, depression, personality traits, anxiety sensitivity, suicidal ideation, insecurity in social contact, flight phobia symptoms, positive mental health, self‐efficacy expectations, self‐esteem and satisfaction with life.ResultsConsistent with previous findings, the high place phenomenon was known to nearly 43% of the patient sample. Multiple regression analysis showed that openness to experiences, neuroticism, suicidal ideation and insecurity in social contacts were positively related to the high place phenomenon, whereas agreeableness, self‐efficacy and self‐esteem were negatively related.ConclusionThe high place phenomenon is a common experience in individuals, whether or not they suffer from suicidal ideation. It is therefore cautioned not to interpret such experiences as an expression of a hidden death wish. Nevertheless, the occurrence of the HPP is influenced by the presence of negative and positive mental health markers. Future studies should examine the association between HPP and intrusions in the context of obsessive‐compulsive disorders. 10.1002/cpp.70038 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
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spellingShingle The High Place Phenomenon: Associations With Markers of Positive and Negative Mental Health in Individuals Suffering From Specific Phobia or Agoraphobia
Lara Wiesmann
André Wannemüller
Tobias Teismann
Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy
The High Place Phenomenon: Associations With Markers of Positive and Negative Mental Health in Individuals Suffering From Specific Phobia or Agoraphobia Lara Wiesmann André Wannemüller Tobias Teismann Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy ABSTRACTBackgroundThe Call of the Void phenomenon describes an inexplicable urge to consider dangerous or self‐destructive actions in certain situations. Previous studies have focused on the high place phenomenon (HPP), which is the sudden urge to jump from high places. One aim of this study is to replicate the previously found associations of HPP with suicidality and anxiety in a larger sample of patients suffering from flight phobia or agoraphobia. Furthermore, the influence of personality traits and protective factors, such as self‐efficacy and self‐esteem, will be examined to identify associations between the HPP and potential markers of both positive and negative mental health.MethodsThe study sample comprised 612 patients (76% female; Mage = 43.77, SDage = 12.82) suffering from clinically relevant fear of flying. Participants filled out questionnaires on experiences with the high place phenomenon, depression, personality traits, anxiety sensitivity, suicidal ideation, insecurity in social contact, flight phobia symptoms, positive mental health, self‐efficacy expectations, self‐esteem and satisfaction with life.ResultsConsistent with previous findings, the high place phenomenon was known to nearly 43% of the patient sample. Multiple regression analysis showed that openness to experiences, neuroticism, suicidal ideation and insecurity in social contacts were positively related to the high place phenomenon, whereas agreeableness, self‐efficacy and self‐esteem were negatively related.ConclusionThe high place phenomenon is a common experience in individuals, whether or not they suffer from suicidal ideation. It is therefore cautioned not to interpret such experiences as an expression of a hidden death wish. Nevertheless, the occurrence of the HPP is influenced by the presence of negative and positive mental health markers. Future studies should examine the association between HPP and intrusions in the context of obsessive‐compulsive disorders. 10.1002/cpp.70038 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
title The High Place Phenomenon: Associations With Markers of Positive and Negative Mental Health in Individuals Suffering From Specific Phobia or Agoraphobia
topic Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy
url https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/cpp.70038