General characteristics of growth & development

Definition of growth
Definition of development
Characteristics of growth & development

1. General Characteristics of Growth & Development

2. Introduction : Human beings keep changing all through their life. They change in size, shape, appearance and also in psychology. This change differs from individual to individual. But the fundamental pattern of growth and development remain more or less same. Human being is never static. From conception to death, human beings undergo stages of changes. The rapid change in size is called growth and the rapid changes in form, function and behaviour is called development.

3. Definition of Growth : Growth is the physical process of development, particularly the process of becoming physically larger. It is a quantitative process and can be measured and mostly influenced by genetics. Growth is the enlargement of a child’s cells. An increase in number and size of cells as they divide and synthesize new proteins; results in increased size and weights of the whole or any of its parts. This is known as growth.

4. Characteristics of Growth : Growth depends on inner maturation and learning. Growth of an individual is the product of interaction between nature and nurture i.e. between heredity and environment. There are always individual differences in the growth of children. It is not feasible to change the rate , amount and direction of growth except within narrow limit. Growth is a quantitative process. Growth rate differs age wise. Most rapid growth occurs in the early years of life. Growth is a continuous and uninterrupted process till a certain period. Growth usually completes before 20 years, at least in regard of height. Growth proceeds from mass to differential activity. Growth starts earlier in case of girls but last longer in case of boys.

5. Definition of Development : Development is integrated overall changes resulting in improved working and better functioning of individual. It is a qualitative and individualized process. Development is a gradual change and expansion; advancement from a lower to a more advanced stage of complexity; the emergence and expansion of complexity; the emergence and expansion of individual’s capacities through growth, maturation and learning.

6. Characteristics of Development : Development is a life long and continuous process that begins from the time of conception in mother’s womb and continues till death. Development is the outcome of learning and maturation. Development starts from a generalized to more specific forms of response . Development is not uniform in all individual, so it is an individualized process. Each stage of development has some adjustment issues known as hazards. Different aspects of development are interrelated. Development is affected by social and cultural changes. Development depends both on nature and nurture. Development is assisted by stimulations.

7. Conclusion : At the end it can be said growth is limited largely to the structural and physiological changes within the physical constitution of individual from the moment of conception till adulthood. Development is concerned with both g rowth and innate potentialities of behaviour that are sensitive to environmental stimulations. Because of the interlocking nature, however it is not easy to differentiate completely between the meaning of these terms. The process of growth and development, although not interchangeable, are inseparable.

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