Fear of failure is a(n) _____ barrier that may prevent people from taking risks.

Fear of failure is characterized as a psychological barrier because it relates to an individual's mindset, emotions, and internal beliefs about their capabilities. This fear can prevent individuals from stepping out of their comfort zones and taking risks that could lead to personal or professional growth. Psychological barriers are often rooted in an individual’s past experiences, self-doubt, or anxiety regarding outcomes, which directly affects their decision-making processes.

In contrast, social barriers involve interactions with others and societal norms, physical barriers pertain to tangible obstacles such as location or environment, and economic barriers involve financial constraints. While all these factors can influence behavior, fear of failure specifically aligns with psychological challenges faced by individuals.