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On the distinction between fear and wariness
Insights
This study identified two distinct avoidant reaction mechanisms in young children: initial wariness and post-challenge fear. These individual differences influence future social behaviors, with fear being more predictive than wariness.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Child Behavior Studies
- Social-Emotional Development
Background:
- Understanding the origins of avoidant behaviors in early childhood is crucial for developmental trajectories.
- Previous research has not fully delineated the distinct mechanisms underlying infant avoidant reactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and differentiate the mechanisms mediating avoidant reactions in human infants during their second year of life.
- To examine the long-term predictive validity of these mechanisms on social orientations at age 3 1/2.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal observation of 40 infants across their second year in mildly challenging situations.
- Repeated follow-up assessments at age 3 1/2.
- Covariance pattern analysis of repeated measurements to identify distinct mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Two independent sources of individual differences in avoidant mechanisms were identified: 'wariness' (unfamiliarity) and 'fear' (post-challenge).
- Behaviors stemming from prior experience (fear) predicted future social orientations.
- Initial wariness did not significantly predict future social orientations.
Conclusions:
- Infant avoidant reactions comprise distinct 'wariness' and 'fear' mechanisms, each representing an independent individual difference.
- The development of fear-based avoidance is a significant predictor of later social behavior and orientation.
- Early wariness, while distinct, shows limited predictive power for future social development compared to fear.
Abstract:
The study seeks to illuminate the mechanisms that mediate avoidant reactions in young humans. 40 babies repeatedly were observed throughout their second year in a variety of mildly challenging situations, and then again in a series of follow-up assessments at age 3 1/2. Analysis of the covariance patterns among the repeated measurements supports positing 2 distinct types of avoidant mechanism--an inclination to be "wary" of the unfamilar, and a proclivity to be "fearful" after exposure to a mildly difficult situation. Each type of phenomena constituted an independent source of individual differences. Behaviors that differed as a result of prior experience proved fairly predictive of future social orientations; variations in initial wariness did not.