John Bowlby's Theory of Attachment

1) What was Bowlby's theory?

2) What is the critical period?

1) Bowlby argued that attachment behaviours in babies and caregivers have evolved to ensure the baby survives naturally to reach maturity. Babies possess instincts such as crying and smiling so the parent can care for them in the right way.

2) The critical period is an early stage in an infant's life where they display a sensitivity to their environmental stimuli. If they do not get the right type of care from a consistent adult figure, they will not form the right relationships later in life.