THE DEVELOPMENT OF FEAR IN MAN AND OTHER ANIMALS

Abstract

Studies of humans, other primates, and dogs provide evidence for describing 3 stages in the development of the fear of novelty. The first stage, a precursor to fear, is found in the infant's distress reaction to diverse types of unpatterned stimuli; mothering activities involving direct infant contact reduce such distress. The second stage is introduced by an emerging fear of visual novelty; at this stage, the visual presence of the mother can effectively reduce tensions. An increasing capacity to cope with novelty in the absence of the mother marks the transition to the final developmental stage. The development of normal patterns of fear behavior in later periods depends upon successful transitions through preceding stages. Factors which promote normal development within the various stages are identified. The role of fear in infant pathology is discussed.

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