Critical Periods in the Development of Fear

Publication Date: January 2007

Publisher: National Scientific Council on the Developing Child

Author(s):

Research Area: Population and demographics

Keywords: Child development; Developmental neurobiology; Neonatal health

Type: Brief

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

This study found that the presence of corticosterone in a part of the brain called the amygdala determined whether a normally painful experience was learned as an attractive or fearful event. It also identified a critical period of learning during which a specific experience is associated with later attraction or fear.