Koumpounophobia is the term used to describe the phobia of buttons on clothing.[1] This phobia regularly leads to feelings of fear and disgust when sufferers are exposed to buttons either visually or physically.[2] It is estimated that less than one percent of the U.S. suffers from this phobia.[3] The most common forms of treatment for koumpounophobia are behavioral therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy.[4]
Notable sufferers of koumpounophobia
Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple Inc., suffered from koumpounophobia. Some have speculated that his condition influenced the trend towards touch screens and virtual keyboards in the design of Apple devices.[5]
Koumpounophobia in popular culture
In 2009, popular author Neil Gaiman released a promotional teaser trailer for the film Coraline, based on his novella.[6] The trailer featured Gaiman addressing the nature of koumpounophobia and warning sufferers about the content of the film, which features characters with buttons in place of eyes.
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