CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION HUMAN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
Introduction human growth and development
Growth: Growth is a fundamental biological process characterized by the observable and quantifiable
physical changes that transpire over an individual's lifespan. These changes are rooted in a person's
biological makeup and encompass alterations in various bodily attributes. For instance, individuals
experience growth in terms of height, as they typically become taller as they age. Similarly, weight increases
can be attributed to growth, reflecting the body's maturation and accumulation of tissues. Another facet of
growth pertains to alterations in body shape, which evolve as a person develops from infancy through
adolescence and into adulthood. Additionally, growth encompasses changes in dental structure, exemplified
by the sequential eruption and transformation of teeth. These transformations are influenced by genetic
factors, nutrition, and overall health, and collectively, they constitute the tangible markers of physical
development throughout an individual's life.
Development: Development encompasses a multifaceted process involving a wide spectrum of changes that
unfold in an individual's life journey. These changes are not confined to the physical realm but extend to
intellectual, mental, and emotional domains. Intellectual development relates to the enhancement of
cognitive abilities and skills, such as problem-solving, reasoning, and knowledge acquisition. Mental
development encompasses the maturation of an individual's psychological and emotional faculties, which
includes emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and psychological well-being. Furthermore, the concept of
development signifies the progression of social skills and the capacity to navigate interpersonal relationships
effectively. Think of development as a comprehensive advancement in a person's skill set and their ability to
function within their environment. This intricate process is a product of both genetic predispositions and
environmental influences, with education, social experiences, and cultural factors playing significant roles in
shaping an individual's developmental trajectory. In essence, development encapsulates the qualitative
evolution of an individual's intellectual, emotional, and social capacities over time.
Characteristics of human growth and development
i. Continuous Process: Human growth and development are continuous and lifelong processes that
begin at the moment of conception and continue until death. They involve a series of gradual and
ongoing changes in various aspects of an individual's life. Example: Physical growth, cognitive
development, and emotional maturation continue throughout a person's life. For instance, cognitive
development includes acquiring new knowledge and skills at different stages of life, from learning to
read as a child to acquiring expertise in a career as an adult.
ii. Orderly Sequence: - Development follows a predetermined and predictable sequence in which
certain skills, behaviors, and milestones are achieved before others. This sequential order ensures
that individuals build upon foundational abilities as they progress. Example: In language
development, infants typically start by cooing and babbling before saying their first words, and they
gradually progress to forming more complex sentences. This orderly sequence is known as language
acquisition milestones.
iii. Different Rates: - Individuals develop at varying rates, both within and across different areas of
development. Factors such as genetics, environmental influences, and personal experiences
contribute to these differences. Example: In a classroom of children of the same age, you may find
that some excel in mathematics, while others excel in art. These variations in intellectual
development rates demonstrate the influence of individual differences.
1
, iv. Cephalocaudal (from head to feet):- Cephalocaudal development refers to the pattern where
development and control typically begin in the head region and gradually extend downward to the
feet and limbs. Example: In infancy, babies typically gain control over their head and neck muscles
before they can control their arms and legs. They can lift their head before they can roll over.
v. Proximodorsal (from center out): Proximodorsal development follows a pattern where development
starts from the central core of the body and extends outward toward the extremities. Example: In
early childhood, children gain control over their torso and core muscles before they have precise
control over their fingers and toes. This progression allows them to first sit upright before mastering
tasks like tying shoelaces.
vi. Gross to Fine Motor Skills: - Motor skill development typically begins with the acquisition of gross
motor skills, which involve larger muscle groups and more general movements, and then progresses
to fine motor skills, which require finer control over smaller muscle groups. Example: Children first
learn to walk (a gross motor skill) before they learn to write with a pencil (a fine motor skill). This
developmental sequence allows for the refinement of motor control over time.
Difference between Growth and Development
Growth and development are related but distinct concepts in the context of human development. Here are the
key differences between the two:
1. Definition:
Growth: Growth refers to the physical changes in size, shape, and structure of an organism over time. It is
primarily quantitative and can be measured in terms of height, weight, bone density, and other physical
attributes.
Development: Development encompasses a broader range of changes, including physical, cognitive,
emotional, and social changes. It refers to the qualitative and progressive changes in an individual's abilities,
understanding, and behaviors as they age.
2. Nature:
Growth: Growth is mostly concerned with physical attributes and is often characterized by an increase in
size or mass. It is relatively straightforward to measure.
Development: Development is a multidimensional process that involves not only physical changes but also
changes in cognitive, emotional, and social aspects. It is more complex and challenging to measure
accurately.
3. Measurement:
Growth: Growth is typically measured using objective and quantitative measures, such as height, weight, or
physical milestones (e.g., crawling, walking).
Development: Development is assessed through a combination of qualitative observations and quantitative
assessments. It involves evaluating a person's cognitive abilities, social interactions, emotional responses,
and moral reasoning, among other factors.
4. Timeline:
2
,Growth: Growth is often linear and follows a predictable pattern, particularly during childhood and
adolescence. It tends to slow down and eventually stop after a certain age (e.g., physical growth generally
stops in early adulthood).
Development: Development is a lifelong process that continues throughout a person's life. It includes not
only childhood and adolescence but also adulthood and old age, encompassing changes in cognition,
emotions, and social roles.
5. Factors Influencing Them:
Growth: Genetic factors play a significant role in determining an individual's growth. Nutritional intake and
overall health also influence growth.
Development: Development is influenced by a wider range of factors, including genetics, environment,
culture, experiences, and education. It encompasses cognitive development, emotional growth, and
socialization, all of which are influenced by various external factors.
3
, Principles of human growth and development
i. Development is a continues process - First development is a continuous process. Development
does not stop at any time. It continues from the moment of conception until the individual reaches
maturity. It takes place at a slow or a rapid rate but at a regular pace rather than by leaps and
bounds.
ii. Development follows a pattern: Secondly, development occurs in orderly manner and follows a
certain sequences. In nature we find that every species or organism follows a pattern of
development. The same is the case with human beings. Development occurs in orderly manner
and follows a certain sequence which, in general is the same for most children. Each stage of
development leads to the next. For instance, all children first learn to sit up without support
before they stand. Similarly, they learn to draw a circle before attempting to draw a square.
iii. The Principle of Interaction of Maturation and Learning- Another important principle of
development is that it occurs as a result of both maturation and learning. Maturation refers to
changes in a developed organism due to the unfolding ripening of abilities, characteristics, traits
and potentialities present at birth. Learning denotes the changes in behavior due to training and or
experiences. Maturation is the inner growth process unaffected by training. Another factor that
causes growth is ‘learning’. Learning implies exercise and experience on the part of an
individual. Learning may result from practice, which in due course of time may bring about a
change in the individual’s behavior. Maturation and learning are closely related and one
influences the other. This means that traits potentially present will not develop to their maximum
without effort or learning. Thus, learning have a great influence on growth and development,
maturation provides the raw material for learning and determines to a large extent the more
general patterns of the individual’s behavior.
iv. Development proceeds from general to specific responses- Thirdly, it makes from a generalized
to localized behavior. In studying the development pattern of children, it is observed that general
activity always precedes specific activity. The early responses of the baby are very general in
nature which is gradually replaced with specific ones. The earliest emotional responses of the
new born are generally diffused excitement and this slowly gives way to specific emotional
patterns of anger, joy, fear, etc. Babies wave their arms in general, random movements before
they are capable of such specific responses as reaching for an object held before them. Similarly,
in early stages of language development the child may use a particular word for any type of
animal/ eatable. Gradually, as his / her vocabulary increases, he/she will learn to use correct
specific words. Thus, uncoordinated movements/ responses are gradually replaced by specific
ones.
v. Development involves change- Development involves a progressive series of changes. The
human being is never static. From the moment of conception to the time of death, the person is
undergoing changes. Nature shapes development most clearly through genetic programming that
may determine whole sequences of later development. It refers to a progressive series of orderly
coherent changes. Growth on the other hand refers to quantitative changes increasing in size and
structure. Development implies both quantitative and qualitative changes
vi. Development is often predictable- Development psychologists have observed that each
developmental phase has certain common traits and characteristics. We have seen that the rate of
development for each child is fairly constant. The consequence is that it is possible for us to
predict at an early age the range within which the mature development of the child is likely to
fall. But all types of development, particularly mental development, cannot be predicted with the
same degree of accuracy. It is more easily predictable for children whose mental development
falls within the normal range rather than for those whose mental development shows marked
deviation from the average.\
4
INTRODUCTION HUMAN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
Introduction human growth and development
Growth: Growth is a fundamental biological process characterized by the observable and quantifiable
physical changes that transpire over an individual's lifespan. These changes are rooted in a person's
biological makeup and encompass alterations in various bodily attributes. For instance, individuals
experience growth in terms of height, as they typically become taller as they age. Similarly, weight increases
can be attributed to growth, reflecting the body's maturation and accumulation of tissues. Another facet of
growth pertains to alterations in body shape, which evolve as a person develops from infancy through
adolescence and into adulthood. Additionally, growth encompasses changes in dental structure, exemplified
by the sequential eruption and transformation of teeth. These transformations are influenced by genetic
factors, nutrition, and overall health, and collectively, they constitute the tangible markers of physical
development throughout an individual's life.
Development: Development encompasses a multifaceted process involving a wide spectrum of changes that
unfold in an individual's life journey. These changes are not confined to the physical realm but extend to
intellectual, mental, and emotional domains. Intellectual development relates to the enhancement of
cognitive abilities and skills, such as problem-solving, reasoning, and knowledge acquisition. Mental
development encompasses the maturation of an individual's psychological and emotional faculties, which
includes emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and psychological well-being. Furthermore, the concept of
development signifies the progression of social skills and the capacity to navigate interpersonal relationships
effectively. Think of development as a comprehensive advancement in a person's skill set and their ability to
function within their environment. This intricate process is a product of both genetic predispositions and
environmental influences, with education, social experiences, and cultural factors playing significant roles in
shaping an individual's developmental trajectory. In essence, development encapsulates the qualitative
evolution of an individual's intellectual, emotional, and social capacities over time.
Characteristics of human growth and development
i. Continuous Process: Human growth and development are continuous and lifelong processes that
begin at the moment of conception and continue until death. They involve a series of gradual and
ongoing changes in various aspects of an individual's life. Example: Physical growth, cognitive
development, and emotional maturation continue throughout a person's life. For instance, cognitive
development includes acquiring new knowledge and skills at different stages of life, from learning to
read as a child to acquiring expertise in a career as an adult.
ii. Orderly Sequence: - Development follows a predetermined and predictable sequence in which
certain skills, behaviors, and milestones are achieved before others. This sequential order ensures
that individuals build upon foundational abilities as they progress. Example: In language
development, infants typically start by cooing and babbling before saying their first words, and they
gradually progress to forming more complex sentences. This orderly sequence is known as language
acquisition milestones.
iii. Different Rates: - Individuals develop at varying rates, both within and across different areas of
development. Factors such as genetics, environmental influences, and personal experiences
contribute to these differences. Example: In a classroom of children of the same age, you may find
that some excel in mathematics, while others excel in art. These variations in intellectual
development rates demonstrate the influence of individual differences.
1
, iv. Cephalocaudal (from head to feet):- Cephalocaudal development refers to the pattern where
development and control typically begin in the head region and gradually extend downward to the
feet and limbs. Example: In infancy, babies typically gain control over their head and neck muscles
before they can control their arms and legs. They can lift their head before they can roll over.
v. Proximodorsal (from center out): Proximodorsal development follows a pattern where development
starts from the central core of the body and extends outward toward the extremities. Example: In
early childhood, children gain control over their torso and core muscles before they have precise
control over their fingers and toes. This progression allows them to first sit upright before mastering
tasks like tying shoelaces.
vi. Gross to Fine Motor Skills: - Motor skill development typically begins with the acquisition of gross
motor skills, which involve larger muscle groups and more general movements, and then progresses
to fine motor skills, which require finer control over smaller muscle groups. Example: Children first
learn to walk (a gross motor skill) before they learn to write with a pencil (a fine motor skill). This
developmental sequence allows for the refinement of motor control over time.
Difference between Growth and Development
Growth and development are related but distinct concepts in the context of human development. Here are the
key differences between the two:
1. Definition:
Growth: Growth refers to the physical changes in size, shape, and structure of an organism over time. It is
primarily quantitative and can be measured in terms of height, weight, bone density, and other physical
attributes.
Development: Development encompasses a broader range of changes, including physical, cognitive,
emotional, and social changes. It refers to the qualitative and progressive changes in an individual's abilities,
understanding, and behaviors as they age.
2. Nature:
Growth: Growth is mostly concerned with physical attributes and is often characterized by an increase in
size or mass. It is relatively straightforward to measure.
Development: Development is a multidimensional process that involves not only physical changes but also
changes in cognitive, emotional, and social aspects. It is more complex and challenging to measure
accurately.
3. Measurement:
Growth: Growth is typically measured using objective and quantitative measures, such as height, weight, or
physical milestones (e.g., crawling, walking).
Development: Development is assessed through a combination of qualitative observations and quantitative
assessments. It involves evaluating a person's cognitive abilities, social interactions, emotional responses,
and moral reasoning, among other factors.
4. Timeline:
2
,Growth: Growth is often linear and follows a predictable pattern, particularly during childhood and
adolescence. It tends to slow down and eventually stop after a certain age (e.g., physical growth generally
stops in early adulthood).
Development: Development is a lifelong process that continues throughout a person's life. It includes not
only childhood and adolescence but also adulthood and old age, encompassing changes in cognition,
emotions, and social roles.
5. Factors Influencing Them:
Growth: Genetic factors play a significant role in determining an individual's growth. Nutritional intake and
overall health also influence growth.
Development: Development is influenced by a wider range of factors, including genetics, environment,
culture, experiences, and education. It encompasses cognitive development, emotional growth, and
socialization, all of which are influenced by various external factors.
3
, Principles of human growth and development
i. Development is a continues process - First development is a continuous process. Development
does not stop at any time. It continues from the moment of conception until the individual reaches
maturity. It takes place at a slow or a rapid rate but at a regular pace rather than by leaps and
bounds.
ii. Development follows a pattern: Secondly, development occurs in orderly manner and follows a
certain sequences. In nature we find that every species or organism follows a pattern of
development. The same is the case with human beings. Development occurs in orderly manner
and follows a certain sequence which, in general is the same for most children. Each stage of
development leads to the next. For instance, all children first learn to sit up without support
before they stand. Similarly, they learn to draw a circle before attempting to draw a square.
iii. The Principle of Interaction of Maturation and Learning- Another important principle of
development is that it occurs as a result of both maturation and learning. Maturation refers to
changes in a developed organism due to the unfolding ripening of abilities, characteristics, traits
and potentialities present at birth. Learning denotes the changes in behavior due to training and or
experiences. Maturation is the inner growth process unaffected by training. Another factor that
causes growth is ‘learning’. Learning implies exercise and experience on the part of an
individual. Learning may result from practice, which in due course of time may bring about a
change in the individual’s behavior. Maturation and learning are closely related and one
influences the other. This means that traits potentially present will not develop to their maximum
without effort or learning. Thus, learning have a great influence on growth and development,
maturation provides the raw material for learning and determines to a large extent the more
general patterns of the individual’s behavior.
iv. Development proceeds from general to specific responses- Thirdly, it makes from a generalized
to localized behavior. In studying the development pattern of children, it is observed that general
activity always precedes specific activity. The early responses of the baby are very general in
nature which is gradually replaced with specific ones. The earliest emotional responses of the
new born are generally diffused excitement and this slowly gives way to specific emotional
patterns of anger, joy, fear, etc. Babies wave their arms in general, random movements before
they are capable of such specific responses as reaching for an object held before them. Similarly,
in early stages of language development the child may use a particular word for any type of
animal/ eatable. Gradually, as his / her vocabulary increases, he/she will learn to use correct
specific words. Thus, uncoordinated movements/ responses are gradually replaced by specific
ones.
v. Development involves change- Development involves a progressive series of changes. The
human being is never static. From the moment of conception to the time of death, the person is
undergoing changes. Nature shapes development most clearly through genetic programming that
may determine whole sequences of later development. It refers to a progressive series of orderly
coherent changes. Growth on the other hand refers to quantitative changes increasing in size and
structure. Development implies both quantitative and qualitative changes
vi. Development is often predictable- Development psychologists have observed that each
developmental phase has certain common traits and characteristics. We have seen that the rate of
development for each child is fairly constant. The consequence is that it is possible for us to
predict at an early age the range within which the mature development of the child is likely to
fall. But all types of development, particularly mental development, cannot be predicted with the
same degree of accuracy. It is more easily predictable for children whose mental development
falls within the normal range rather than for those whose mental development shows marked
deviation from the average.\
4
