The concepts of a critical period and an internal working model

What is a critical period in attachment theory?

A critical period is a specific time in early life when attachment must form for normal social and emotional development to occur

What did John Bowlby propose about the critical period?

Bowlby argued that infants have a critical period of roughly the first 2–2.5 years of life to form an attachment with a caregiver.

What is the internal working model?

The internal working model is a mental framework developed from early attachments that shapes expectations about the self, others, and relationships

How does the internal working model affect later life?

It influences how people form relationships, interpret social interactions, and respond emotionally to others

How are the critical period and internal working model linked?

Early attachment experiences during the critical period shape the internal working model, which then guides future relationships throughout life.