Why do childhood fears develop?
Reeve says, “there is no single answer for why fears develop.” Fears can stem from genetics, socialization or behavioral conditioning. Early research appeared to indicate that phobias were behaviorally conditioned. For example, if a child is bit by a dog, their chances of fearing dogs increases. However, more recent studies suggest that many people are born with unusually responsive or sensitive temperaments that put them at risk for anxieties and fears.
