A 7-month-old infant is brought to the emergency department with acute gastroenteritis. The infant cries intensely when examined by the physician and reaches for the mother when she approaches. This behaviour demonstrates a normal developmental milestone. At what age does stranger anxiety typically first appear?
- A By 8 to 9 months ✓
- B By 6 to 7 months
- C By 3 to 4 months
- D By 12 to 15 months
Correct answer: A. By 8 to 9 months
Explanation
Stranger anxiety typically emerges at 8 to 9 months of age, coinciding with the development of object permanence and attachment. It indicates normal cognitive and social development. Absence of stranger anxiety at this age may suggest developmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder. Separation anxiety peaks at 10 to 18 months. Social smile appears by 2 months, and the ability to distinguish familiar from unfamiliar faces develops by 5 to 6 months.
Reference: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 21st ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.