Final answer:
The most common specific phobia among Americans is fear of crowds. Fear of crowds, also known as enochlophobia or ochlophobia, can cause anxiety, panic attacks, and avoidance of crowded places.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most common specific phobia among Americans is c. fear of crowds. Specific phobias are intense, irrational fears of specific objects or situations, and they affect about 7-9% of the population.
Specific phobias can vary in severity and can interfere with daily life. Fear of crowds, also known as enochlophobia or ochlophobia, can cause anxiety, panic attacks, and avoidance of crowded places.
It's important to note that specific phobias can be successfully treated through therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or exposure therapy.