Affiliation:
1. Department of Psychology University of Miami Coral Gables Florida USA
2. Division of Applied Psychology The Chinese University of Hong Kong Shenzhen China
3. Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences Duke University Durham North Carolina USA
4. Department of Psychology James Madison University Harrisonburg Virginia USA
Abstract
AbstractThis study examined the development of children's avoidance and recognition of sickness using face photos from people with natural, acute, contagious illness. In a U.S. sample of fifty‐seven 4‐ to 5‐year‐olds (46% male, 70% White), fifty‐two 8‐ to 9‐year‐olds (26% male, 62% White), and 51 adults (59% male, 61% White), children and adults avoided and recognized sick faces (ds ranged from 0.38 to 2.26). Both avoidance and recognition improved with age. Interestingly, 4‐ to 5‐year‐olds' avoidance of sick faces positively correlated with their recognition, suggesting stable individual differences in these emerging skills. Together, these findings are consistent with a hypothesized immature but functioning and flexible behavioral immune system emerging early in development. Characterizing children's sickness perception may help design interventions to improve health.
Funder
Association for Psychological Science
National Science Foundation
Subject
Developmental and Educational Psychology,Education,Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health