Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Practice Examination

Separation anxiety generally develops between which ages?

1. 1 to 3 years

2. 1 to 2 years

3. 6 months to 1 year

4. 2 to 4 years

The correct answer is: 1 to 2 years

Separation anxiety typically develops in children between the ages of 1 to 2 years. This period is crucial in a child's emotional and social development, as they begin to form attachments to their caregivers and experience distress when separated from them. Separation anxiety can manifest as crying, clinging, or expressing fear when a caregiver departs, reflecting the child's increased awareness of their own autonomy and the reality of separation. While separation anxiety may begin earlier, around 6 months, the peak of this anxiety often occurs between the ages of 1 and 2 years, as children are more vocal and expressive about their feelings. After this stage, most children gradually develop coping strategies and become more comfortable with separation. Therefore, the correct answer accurately reflects the most common age range for the onset of separation anxiety in children.