Which of the following is a common short-term effect of molestation in children?

• A. Anxiety and fearfulness
• B. Development of schizophrenia
• C. Improved academic performance
• D. Onset of Alzheimer's disease

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the context of the problem, which asks about common short-term psychological effects of molestation in children. This involves recognizing typical emotional and behavioral responses immediately following trauma.
2. Step 2: Recall that short-term effects of trauma such as molestation often include emotional disturbances like anxiety, fearfulness, and heightened stress responses, rather than long-term or unrelated conditions.
3. Step 3: Evaluate each option by considering the typical timeline and symptoms associated with each condition: anxiety and fearfulness are immediate emotional reactions, while schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease are long-term medical conditions that do not typically manifest shortly after trauma.
4. Step 4: Recognize that improved academic performance is unlikely as a short-term effect of trauma, as trauma generally impairs concentration and learning abilities.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the most appropriate short-term effect of molestation in children is anxiety and fearfulness, based on psychological research and clinical observations.