Who introduced the term “critical period” in child development?

The term "critical period" in child development is closely associated with John Bowlby's work, particularly in the context of attachment theory. Bowlby argued that there are sensitive periods in a child's early life during which they are most receptive to forming attachments. This concept suggests that there are optimal times for certain developmental processes, and missing these critical windows can lead to difficulties later in life. Bowlby's emphasis on attachment relationships highlights the importance of early experiences and interactions in shaping a child's emotional and social development.

In contrast, the other figures mentioned, while influential in different areas of psychology and child development, did not specifically introduce the term "critical period." Abraham Maslow focused on human motivation and the hierarchy of needs, Lev Vygotsky developed theories surrounding social interaction in learning, emphasizing cultural tools and language, and Jean Piaget is known for his stages of cognitive development. Each of these theorists contributed significantly to our understanding of child development, but they did not frame their work around the concept of "critical periods" as Bowlby did.