A Developmental Examination of Adolescents'Fears

Abstract

Fear, one of the most powerful of all human emotional reactions, is a normal response to an active or perceived threat that precipitates both physiological and psychological changes. Research with elementary and preschool children has revealed developmental trends in the types and realism of expressed fears. This study examined specific fears of adolescents and the existence of developmental changes and gender differences. Adolescents in grades 7 through 11 (N=478) in a suburban public high school completed a questionnaire that requested that they provide a list of their fears. An analysis of variance revealed that girls reported more fears than boys, and that older students reported more fears than younger students. Results of Chi Square analyses reveal clear developmental trends in the fear of AIDS, drugs, career, and political instability. Gender differences were noted with more females being concerned about peer pressure, the future, and moral and social values.