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An Integrative Theoretical Model of Children's Fears
Author(s) -
Smith Deborah J.,
Davidson Phyllis M.,
White Priscilla N.,
Poppen William A.
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
home economics research journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.372
H-Index - 31
eISSN - 1552-3934
pISSN - 0046-7774
DOI - 10.1177/1077727x9001900205
Subject(s) - psychology , intrapersonal communication , coping (psychology) , schema (genetic algorithms) , adaptation (eye) , social psychology , phobias , anxiety , cognitive psychology , developmental psychology , interpersonal communication , psychotherapist , computer science , machine learning , neuroscience , psychiatry
This article describes the development of an integrative theoretical model of children's fears that provides a comprehensive view of the normal development of fear. The model integrates an overview of the process of stress as described by Maccoby (1983) and individual fear variables proposed by Graziano, DeGiovanni, and Garcia (1979). Incorporated into the model are environmental, social, and intrapersonal variables that begin with individual characteristics and proceed in a circular chain of events, including fear stimuli, arousal, and affective state of fear, and conclude with coping strategies and adaptation. Each stage of the model is supported by research studies on children's fears. Suggestions for using the model as a basis for future practice and research are presented.