what is a critical stage and a sensitive period?

Question

in terms of developmental psychology

Answer 1

In terms of attachment, it was originally believed that there was a critical period for the formation of an attachment between an infant and an adult. This meant that should the attachment not be formed within the "critical period", a pre-set quantity of time, it would not be formed at all, and the child would suffer developmentally and emotionally as a result.

Later, this was revised, and it was believed that in fact there was not a critical period, but rather a sensitive period, e.g a period of time where the attachment was much more likely to be formed. Unlike the critical period theory however, this revision meant it was possible for attachments to be formed much later on, although there was much more potential during the sensitive period.

Therefore:

Critical period = the only period of time when something may occur.

Sensitive period = the period of time when something is most likely to occur, and is supposed to occur, although it may happen later on should the correct circumstances be met, e.g. with abused and neglected children who have no chance to form a preliminary attachment until much later in their lives when they are fostered etc.

Answer 2

A critical stage is often the edge\end of a sensitive period. For example in sensitive period you are sensitive to somethings that makes you feel unpleasant...in critical stage you get frustrated irritated by the same things and you can`t stand them anymore...you are at the critical stage of not being able to carry on those irritations any more (breakdown)