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critical period
Also known as: critical period, critical periods
Facts (12)
Sources
John Bowlby's Attachment Theory - Simply Psychology simplypsychology.org Apr 20, 2025 10 facts
claimJohn Bowlby argued that the mother-infant relationship during the critical period—initially defined as the first two-and-a-half years and later extended to a sensitive period of the first five years—is essential for a child's socialization.
claimJohn Bowlby later shifted his theory from a 'critical period' to a 'sensitive period' extending up to around five years of age, acknowledging that while early attachment is crucial, healthy bonding can still occur beyond the first two or three years, though it may be more challenging.
perspectiveMichael Rutter stresses that the quality of the attachment bond is the most important factor in child development, rather than just the occurrence of deprivation during a critical period.
claimJohn Bowlby initially proposed a 'critical period' for attachment, suggesting that if attachment did not form within the first few years of life, the negative effects might be permanent.
claimJohn Bowlby initially proposed a 'critical period' for attachment, suggesting that if attachment did not form within the first few years of life, the negative effects might be permanent.
claimJohn Bowlby argued that the mother-infant relationship during the critical period (initially the first two-and-a-half years, later extended to the sensitive period of the first five years) is crucial for a child’s socialization.
claimThe Critical Period in Attachment Theory proposes that there is a crucial window, primarily the first 2.5 years of life, during which a failure to develop a bond may result in permanent difficulties later in life.
claimJohn Bowlby's maternal deprivation hypothesis posits that prolonged separation from primary caregivers during a critical period in early life leads to affectionless psychopathy.
claimJohn Bowlby later revised his theory to include a 'sensitive period' extending up to around five years of age, acknowledging that while early attachment is crucial, healthy bonding can still occur beyond the initial two-to-three-year window, though it may require more support.
claimJohn Bowlby hypothesized that if separation from a primary caregiver occurs during the critical period without an adequate emotional substitute, the child suffers deprivation, which leads to severe and potentially irreversible long-term consequences in intellectual, social, and emotional development.
Evolutionary psychology - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org 1 fact
claimEvolutionary psychologists believe that humans learn language along an evolved program that includes critical periods.
Child Development Theories: Insights For Caregivers online-learning-college.com Mar 27, 2024 1 fact
claimJohn Bowlby identified a critical period of approximately 2.5 years during which attachment should develop, noting that continually disrupted attachment can result in cognitive, social, and emotional difficulties.