 |
|
|
|
Children’s fears learned through observation
Apr 11, 2005, 12:33, Reviewed by: Dr.
|
|
"Seeing imaginary animals together with fearful faces appears to increase children's fear beliefs and negative attitudes toward the animal. Thus the results show how children's fear beliefs about a previously unknown stimulus can be affected just by observing another's facial expressions. The findings therefore will have implications for both the theory and treatment of fears"
|
By The British Psychological Society,
Psychologists have found evidence which suggests that children can learn to be fearful of something just by observing another's facial expressions.
The study, which aimed to investigate whether children's fear beliefs about a picture of a previously un-encountered animal increased after seeing it together with scared faces, was conducted using a group of 8-9 year olds. Each child was presented with pictures of two Australian marsupials together with either fearful or happy faces. A third animal was also presented, this was not paired with any faces. Fear beliefs about each animal were measured by self-report questionnaires both before and after the viewing the pictures.
The study, which was repeated one week later, found that fear beliefs increased for animals paired with fearful faces and decreased for animals paired with happy faces, compared to the non-paired animal. Significant differences in fear beliefs and attitudes were still present one week later.
Mr Askew said: "Seeing imaginary animals together with fearful faces appears to increase children's fear beliefs and negative attitudes toward the animal. Thus the results show how children's fear beliefs about a previously unknown stimulus can be affected just by observing another's facial expressions. The findings therefore will have implications for both the theory and treatment of fears". 
- This is the finding of research by Mr Chris Askew and Dr Andy Field of the University of Sussex, which is being presented at the British Psychological Society's Annual Conference at the University of Manchester on Thursday 31 March 2005.
www.bps.org.uk
With over 37,000 members, The British Psychological Society (BPS) is the representative body for psychologist and psychology in the UK.
A popular definition of psychology is 'the systematic study of mind and behaviour'. As such, it has a central contribution to make to all aspects of public life, in areas such as education, health, the economy, industry and social justice.
By its Royal Charter the Society is charged with national responsibility for the development, promotion and application of psychology for the public good.
|
For any corrections of factual information, to contact the editors or to send
any medical news or health news press releases, use
feedback form
Top of Page
|
|
|
|
