Final answer:
Sensitive periods for psychological characteristics are typically longer than for physical characteristics. While physical characteristics have sensitive periods tied to developmental milestones, psychological characteristics are influenced by a broader range of experiences and continue to be molded over a longer period of time.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering whether physical characteristics or psychological characteristics require longer sensitive periods, it's important to understand that the development of these traits is complex and intertwined with both biological and environmental factors. Sensitive periods are significant times in development when a person is particularly open to certain kinds of environmental experiences. It's during these times that certain abilities can develop more easily. For physical characteristics, sensitive periods are often linked to physical milestones and maturation, such as puberty. In contrast, psychological characteristics can be affected by a wider range of experiences over a more extended time because temperament, although having a biological basis, can be shaped by the environment and culture across the lifespan.
For instance, temperament is believed to have a biological basis and appears early in life, categorized into three types: easy, difficult, or slow to warm up. Environmental factors and maturation can, however, influence the expression of children's personalities. Additionally, cultural aspects can also influence our physical appearance over generations through sexual selection, which impacts our phenotypes. Research into developmental psychology shows vast differences in the physical, cognitive, and social capacities between young children and adults, suggesting that developmental experiences are crucial over extended periods, especially for psychological characteristic development.
Moreover, puberty presents a prominent sensitive period for physical characteristics, with early or late maturation having significant psychological implications on adolescents. This complex interplay between physical changes and psychological impacts exemplifies the sensitivity of this development stage. On the other hand, psychological development such as sensation and perception, and the forming of secure attachments extend beyond early childhood, indicating a more prolonged sensitive period for psychological characteristics.