ABSTRACT
This chapter uses a behavior systems approach to shed light on developmental changes in wariness in young children. Firstly, we describe how the approach has clarified both short-term and long-term changes in responsiveness to a constant stimulus situation. Secondly, we use the concept of a “behavior system” to identify features which both an individual construct (wariness/fear) and a relational construct (attachment) have in common. Finally, we illustrate with our own data how such thinking may be applied to the issue of stability and change in wariness in children aged 2.5 to 4.5 years.
