Here is the stranger anxiety psychology definition: the distress and apprehension experienced by young children when they are around individuals who are unfamiliar to them. Therefore, stranger anxiety is a normal part of cognitive development: Babies differentiate caregivers from other people and display a strong preference for familiar faces. Stranger anxiety usually begins around 8 or 9 months of age and typically lasts into the 2nd year.

An early onset of stranger anxiety example is can begin in some infants and young children when they show a strong preference for one parent over another at a given age, and grandparents may suddenly be viewed as strangers. Anticipating these occurrences during well-child visits helps prevent misinterpretation of the behavior. Although, comforting the child and avoiding overreaction to the behavior are usually the only therapy needed.

“Constant use will wear out anything—especially friends.” —Warren Hull (December 1957)

Stranger Anxiety Symptoms

Common Symptoms of Stranger Anxiety

• Crying.
• Irritability or fussiness.
• Temper tantrums.
• Appearing quiet or shy.
• Avoiding eye contact.
• Running away or hiding.
• Clinging to parents or other primary caregivers.

While most children experience less stranger anxiety as time goes on, other children may continue to experience fear around strangers or in public settings. Consequently, these children may be showing signs of social anxiety disorder, which is a condition that involves excessive fear and discomfort in social situations.

Children with social anxiety disorder often worry about being judged or embarrassed while around other people, and either avoid social situations or endure them with intense anxiety. Therefore, this condition can lead to refusal to attend school or participate in activities with other children.

“Happiness makes up in height for what it lacks in length.” —Robert Frost (March 1959)

Stranger Anxiety At What Age?

Overall, at what age does stranger anxiety start? Usually it begins around 8 or 9 months of age and typically lasts into the 2nd or 3rd year.

Children can also experience stranger anxiety when around people that they know but do not see often, like grandparents and other relatives. Interestingly, babies tend to show stronger fear reactions to adults rather than other babies or children, so you may notice that your child is unaffected when around kids their own age.

“The best bridge between despair and hope is a good night’s sleep.” —Harry Ruby (June 1952)

Stranger Anxiety in Adults

Signs of stranger anxiety in adults.

• Intense fear of interacting or talking with strangers
• Fear that others will notice that you look anxious
• Fear of physical symptoms that may cause you embarrassment, such as blushing, sweating, trembling or having a shaky voice
• Avoidance of doing things or speaking to people out of fear of embarrassment

It can be linked to a history of abuse, bullying, or teasing. Shy kids are also more likely to become socially anxious adults, as are children with overbearing or controlling parents. Hence, if you develop a health condition that draws attention to your appearance or voice, that could trigger social anxiety, too. Here are a few other ways to approach getting over stranger anxiety:

• Practice public speaking.
• Try cognitive behavioral therapy.
• Gradually introduce yourself to anxiety-inducing situations.
• Ask your support system for a helping hand.
• Check in with yourself.
• Look for silver linings-and be kind to yourself.

“Ideals are like stars; you will not succeed in touching them with your hands. But, like the seafaring men on the desert of waters, you choose them as your guides, and following them to reach your destiny.” —Carl Schurz (April 1941)

Conclusion

At length, stranger phobia can start to show up in infants at an early age. Being patient with your child during stranger anxiety is the key. I was extremely shy when I was growing up, so I imagine I had stranger anxiety. It took me years to outgrow that shyness. I still suffer from social anxiety, but I’m continuously challenging that. At the present time, I have noticed a change in myself from being afraid of everybody to now, I can spend time in a store and not get panicky.

Well, I hope you gathered all the info you needed from this post and will put it to good use. I know that I find interesting facts while researching for the posts and have put some of them to good use. Until next time…

Articles

-What Is Fear of Strangers?

https://www.verywellhealth.com/fear-of-strangers-5324088#toc-coping

-Fear of strangers: babies and young children

https://raisingchildren.net.au/toddlers/behaviour/common-concerns/fear-of-strangers#:~:text=Fear%20of%20strangers%20is%20a,their%20confidence%20in%20social%20situations.

-What Is Stranger Anxiety?

https://www.healthline.com/health/baby/stranger-anxiety

Have a Good One,

Cindee Murphy, One Voice – Unstoppable

Related Posts:

Types Of Social Anxiety Disorders(Opens in a new browser tab)

Different Types Of Anxiety(Opens in a new browser tab)

“They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.” —Andy Warhol (April 2020)

References

-Van Hulle CA, et al. (2017) Infant stranger fear trajectories predict anxious behaviors and diurnal cortisol rhythm during childhood. doi:
https://dx.doi.org/10.1017%2FS0954579417000311

-Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Tips to manage anxiety and stress.

-Johns Hopkins Medicine. Phobias.