Factors Affecting Growth and Development

This course focuses on human growth and development over the lifespan, as well as careers that help people deal with various physical, intellectual, and socioemotional issues, such as physicians, nurses, nutritionists, substance abuse counselors, clergy, teachers, career counselors, psychologists, and psychiatrists.

1. Psychology of development & learning Factors affecting growth & development Ambuj Kushwaha M.Ed sem 1 A.Y.J.N.I.S.H.D.(D) (Mumbai)

2. What is growth Growth is the process of physical maturation resulting in an increase in size of the body and various organs. It occurs by multiplication of cells and increase in the intracellular substances. It is a quantitative change in the body.

3. Definition of Growth “Growth is change in size, in proportion, disappearance of old features and acquisition of new once.” Hurlock (1959)

4. cont’d “Growth refers to structural and physiological changes.” Crow and Crow ( 1962 )

5. Meaning of Development Development is the process of functional and physiological maturation of the individual. It is a progressive increase in skill and capacity for proper functioning .It is related to maturation and myelination of the nervous system .It includes psychological, emotional, and social changes . It is qualitative in nature.

6. Cont’d “Development is concerned with growth as well as those changes in behaviour which results from environmental situation.” HURLOCK [ 1959 ] “Development is concerned with growth as well as those changes in behaviour which results from environmental situation.” J. E. ANDERSON [1950]

7. Factors affecting growth & development Genetic factors Prenatal factors Post-natal factors

8. Genetic factors – Genetic predisposition is an important factor which influences the growth and development of everyone, from birth to death. Gender differences w.r.t G&D Race and Nationality Gene bank

9. Pre-natal factors – Maternal malnutrition (Iron (Fe), Calcium (Ca), Protein deficiency) Maternal infection (TORCH, HIV- AIDS, STDs etc.) Maternal substance abuse (Lead (Pb), Arsenic (As), etc.) Maternal illness and emotional state (Depression, trauma, jaundice, etc.) Hormones Miscellaneous Intra uterine environment is an important for child’s growth and development in the womb. Various conditions influence the foetal growth in uterus

10. Post-natal factors – Growth potential Nutrition Childhood illness Physical environment Psychological environment Cultural influence Socio economic status Climate and season Play and exercise Birth order of the child Intelligence Hormonal influence