Children's fears: a review of the literature with implications for nursing research and practice.

Research reports of child's fears were reviewed from a developmental perspective. These studies suggested that as children's fears change with age they become more complex, varied, and realistic. It was concluded that longitudinal studies of children's fears are needed to support or refute the developmental pattern suggested by these studies of distinct age groups at one point in time. It is also suggested that sex, social class, family relationships, and the media be considered in investigations of the development of children's fears. Implications for practice focused on the use of this information in helping parents deal with fears that concern children as they move through childhood.