How is specific phobia defined?

Specific phobia is characterized by an excessive and irrational fear of a specific object or situation that is out of proportion to the actual danger posed. This fear leads individuals to avoid the feared object or situation, often causing significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. The intensity of the fear is crucial in distinguishing specific phobias from general fears or normal anxieties. Individuals with specific phobias often recognize that their fear is irrational, but that insight does not alleviate their anxiety or enable them to confront the fear directly.

The other options describe different phenomena that do not accurately capture the essence of specific phobia. Temporary fears that subside after a few days do not meet the criteria for phobias, which are chronic and persistent. General anxiety about unfamiliar places relates more to agoraphobia or generalized anxiety disorder, while fear triggered specifically by social interactions aligns more closely with social anxiety disorder. Thus, option A aptly defines the hallmark of specific phobia.