The fear of strangers that infants commonly display beginning by about 8 months is called what?

• A. Separation anxiety
• B. Stranger anxiety
• C. Attachment anxiety
• D. Social fear

Answer: (B)

Stranger anxiety is the fear of unfamiliar people that infants commonly display around 8 months. This reaction emerges as babies become more aware of familiar versus unfamiliar faces while their attachment to caregivers strengthens. It signals healthy social development and helps the infant stay cautious around people they don’t know. It’s different from separation anxiety, which is distress when a caregiver leaves, and from general social fears that aren’t tied to unfamiliar people.