How do anxiety and fear differ in psychological terms?

Anxiety and fear differ significantly in psychological terms, particularly in how they are experienced and related to specific situations. Anxiety is generally understood as a more generalized feeling of apprehension or unease about future events or situations that may be uncertain. It can manifest without a clear or identifiable source and is characterized by feelings of tension, worry, and nervousness.

On the other hand, fear is usually a response to an immediate or specific threat. It arises from a perceived danger, leading to a more acute reaction that often includes physiological changes (like increased heart rate) and a desire to escape or avoid the threat. Fear has a clear object or situation that triggers this response, making it more immediate and focused compared to the wider scope of anxiety.

This distinction highlights that anxiety often involves prolonged, broad feelings of discomfort about potential dangers, while fear is typically a quick, direct response to an obvious threat.