Which emotional development milestone is characterized by intense fear of unfamiliar people?

The milestone characterized by intense fear of unfamiliar people is stranger anxiety. This developmental stage typically occurs in infants, usually between 6 to 12 months of age, and is a natural part of their emotional growth. During this phase, infants may express fear or distress in the presence of individuals who are not familiar to them.

Stranger anxiety plays a crucial role in fostering attachment between the infant and their primary caregivers. It indicates that the child can differentiate between familiar and unfamiliar individuals, demonstrating advancements in their cognitive capabilities and social awareness. This response serves as an adaptive mechanism to protect the infant from potential threats in their environment—showing that they are becoming more aware of their social surroundings.

In contrast, separation anxiety is related to the distress a child experiences when they are separated from their primary caregiver. Attachment anxiety would involve concerns related to the security of the relationship with the caregiver, while social disengagement refers to a lack of interaction or connection with others rather than an appropriate emotional response to unfamiliarity. Thus, stranger anxiety is distinct and specifically pertains to fear of unfamiliar individuals.