Examination for Professional Practice of Psychology (EPPP) Practice Test

At what age does stranger anxiety typically begin in most children?

1. 2 to 4 months

2. 5 to 7 months

3. 8 to 10 months

4. 11 to 13 months

The correct answer is: 8 to 10 months

Stranger anxiety is an important developmental milestone in early childhood and generally begins to manifest in children around 8 to 10 months of age. This phenomenon occurs as infants start to develop a stronger attachment to their primary caregivers and become more aware of their social environment. During this stage, when they encounter unfamiliar people, they may exhibit signs of distress or wariness, indicating their sense of insecurity in the presence of strangers. By this developmental point, children are becoming more skilled at recognizing faces and differentiating between familiar and unfamiliar individuals. This awareness is linked to cognitive development as they learn about relationships and attachments. Recognizing and responding negatively to strangers is a healthy part of development, signaling the child's increasing social understanding and attachment security. Other ages listed, such as 2 to 4 months, 5 to 7 months, and 11 to 13 months, do not align as closely with the typical onset of stranger anxiety. At 2 to 4 months, infants do not yet show significant signs of anxiety towards strangers. By 5 to 7 months, they may begin to exhibit some recognition of familiar faces, but stranger anxiety is not usually pronounced until around 8 to 10 months. While some children may continue to exhibit stranger anxiety beyond