News Humans

Girls have head start on snake and spider fears

Widespread dread of slithery, crawly things may start in infancy

By Bruce Bower

- More than 2 years ago

Gut-wrenching fears of snakes and spiders may start early for many women. Before their first birthdays, girls but not boys adeptly learn to link the sight of these creatures to the frightened reactions of others, a new study suggests.

SCARY SNAKES A new study finds that, at 11 months of age, girls but not boys rapidly learn to associate a fearful cartoon face — but not a happy face — with images of snakes and spiders.