Question 7

Stranger wariness is an example of a basic emotion of fear in infants.

Stranger wariness occurs when infants show apprehension or fear in the presence of unfamiliar people, marking a significant emotional development stage.

A) Social referencing

Social referencing involves looking to caregivers for cues on how to respond to unfamiliar situations, but it does not directly represent fear. Instead, it reflects a child's ability to gauge emotional responses from trusted adults, which is different from the fear elicited by strangers.

B) Stranger wariness

Stranger wariness is a clear expression of fear that infants exhibit when they encounter people they do not recognize. This reaction indicates a developing sense of self and an awareness of safety, making it a fundamental example of fear in infants.

C) Self-awareness

Self-awareness refers to an individual's recognition of their own existence and individuality, not specifically tied to fear. While it is an important developmental milestone, it does not exemplify a basic emotion such as fear.

D) Emotional self-regulation

Emotional self-regulation is the ability to manage one’s emotional responses, which can evolve from fear but is not itself an example of a basic emotion. This concept involves coping strategies rather than a direct expression of fear.

Conclusion

Stranger wariness is definitively the correct answer as it directly illustrates a basic emotion of fear in infants. Other options, while related to emotional development, do not exemplify fear in the same direct manner, highlighting the unique nature of stranger wariness as a critical emotional response in early childhood.