Final answer:
Preschoolers (children ages 2.5 to 6) are the age group that engages in stalling tactics before painful procedures most frequently.
Step-by-step explanation:
Preschoolers (children ages 2.5 to 6) are the age group that engages in stalling tactics before painful procedures most frequently. At this stage of development, children are beginning to assert their independence and may exhibit behaviors such as crying, hiding, or refusing to cooperate when faced with medical procedures that they perceive as unpleasant or uncomfortable. For example, a two-year-old might resist getting dressed for fear that it will lead to a doctor's appointment, while a four-year-old might engage in bargaining or negotiation tactics to delay a vaccination or blood test.
Stalling tactics are less common in infants and toddlers, as they are generally less able to understand or anticipate the upcoming painful procedure. School-age children may also use stalling tactics occasionally, but they tend to have a better grasp of the situation and can cope with medical procedures more maturely.