Children express a variety of primary emotions such as contentment, distress, joy, sadness, interest, surprise, disgust, anger, and fear.

O a. 8 months
O b. 18 months
O c. 36 months
O d. 60 months

a. 8 months

Children express a variety of primary emotions such as contentment, distress, joy, sadness, interest, surprise, disgust, anger, and fear.

The correct answer is:

c. 36 months

Around 36 months (3 years old), children start to express a wider range of primary emotions. At this age, they become more aware of their own feelings and can better identify and express emotions like joy, sadness, anger, and fear.

The age at which children begin to express a variety of primary emotions such as contentment, distress, joy, sadness, interest, surprise, disgust, anger, and fear can vary. However, the earliest expressions of these emotions typically start to emerge around 8 months of age.

To understand the development of emotions in children, researchers often use observational methods and conduct studies to track the emergence and progression of different emotions. They observe children's behavior and reactions to different stimuli over time.

In the case of primary emotions like joy, sadness, anger, and fear, researchers have found that infants as young as a few months old can exhibit some of these emotions. However, they may not be able to express them as clearly or consistently as older children.

By around 8 months of age, most infants can express a range of primary emotions more consistently. They become more capable of showing happiness, distress, interest, and surprise through facial expressions, vocalizations, and body movements.

As children grow older, their emotional repertoire continues to expand. By 18 months, children often start to exhibit a greater range of emotions, including disgust and anger. At this age, they may also begin to develop a rudimentary sense of empathy and become attuned to the emotions of others.

By 36 months (3 years old), children typically have a more developed emotional understanding and can articulate their feelings to a certain extent. They can express emotions like joy, sadness, anger, and fear more clearly and may have a better grasp of how to manage and regulate their emotional responses.

By 60 months (5 years old), children's emotional vocabulary and understanding further enhance. They can identify and label a wider range of emotions accurately. They also become more capable of considering the emotions of others and showing empathy towards them.

It's important to note that the timeline for emotional development can vary from child to child, and some children may demonstrate these emotions earlier or later than the average ages mentioned. Additionally, cultural, environmental, and individual factors can also influence the development and expression of emotions in children.