Wong's Essentials of Pediatric Nursing 11th Edition Test Bank - Health Promotion of the Infant and Family Related

Review Wong's Essentials of Pediatric Nursing 11th Edition Test Bank - Health Promotion of the Infant and Family related questions and content

At which age do most infants begin to fear strangers?

  • A. 2 months
  • B. 4 months
  • C. 6 months
  • D. 12 months
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Between ages 6 and 8 months, fear of strangers and stranger anxiety become prominent and are related to infants ability to discriminate between familiar and unfamiliar people. At 2 months, infants are just beginning to respond differentially to their mothers. The infant at age 4 months is beginning the process of separation-individuation, which involves recognizing the self and mother as separate beings. Twelve months is too late; the infant requires referral for evaluation if he or she does not fear strangers by this age.