What is the best description of how children typically develop fears?

Children typically develop fears based on their own experiences as they interact with the world around them. This type of learning occurs as children engage with new situations, encounter unfamiliar objects, or perceive potentially threatening stimuli. For example, if a child has a negative experience with a dog, they may develop a fear of dogs, as that particular experience has shaped their understanding of what is safe and what is threatening.

While cultural influences, parental guidance, and media exposure can contribute to the fears children develop, it is the individual experiences that have the most direct impact on their fear development. Children learn through exploration; therefore, their personal encounters often form the foundation for their emotional responses. They might observe how others react in different situations, but ultimately, their own experiences will define what they come to fear. This principle emphasizes the importance of personal experience in shaping emotional responses and adaptive behaviors as children grow.