Which of the following is considered a risk factor for developing anxiety disorders later in life?

• A. Chronic illnesses in childhood
• B. Parental separation
• C. Low academic performance
• D. Excessive screen time

Answer: (B)

Parental separation is considered a risk factor for developing anxiety disorders later in life due to the profound impact that family dynamics and early life experiences can have on emotional and psychological development. Children who experience parental separation may face feelings of abandonment, uncertainty, and instability, which can contribute to heightened anxiety and fearfulness.

Research indicates that adverse childhood experiences, such as parental separation, can lead to changes in attachment styles and coping mechanisms, potentially resulting in an increased vulnerability to anxiety disorders as these individuals grow up. The emotional turmoil and adjustments required during and after parental separation can imprint on a child's developing psyche, leading to long-term mental health challenges.

The other options, while they may be associated with various psychological outcomes, do not have the same level of direct correlation with the development of anxiety disorders as parental separation does. Chronic illnesses in childhood could lead to anxiety, but it is more directly linked to physical health concerns. Low academic performance might reflect anxiety symptoms rather than cause them, and excessive screen time, while potentially related to anxiety through social comparison or disrupted sleep patterns, lacks a direct causal link established in the same way as parental separation.