What term is used to describe the fear of unfamiliar people, typically seen around 8 months of age?

The term that describes the fear of unfamiliar people, typically emerging around 8 months of age, is stranger anxiety. This developmental phenomenon occurs as infants begin to recognize and differentiate between familiar faces and those they do not recognize. At this age, babies develop a stronger attachment to their primary caregivers, which leads to an increased awareness of their surroundings and the people in them. When confronted with strangers, infants may exhibit behaviors such as crying, clinging to their caregiver, or displaying signs of distress. This is a normal part of social and emotional development, signaling the child’s growing cognitive abilities and understanding of social relationships.