UNIT-2 psychology 1-1.pptx human growth and development

Human growth and development in psychology

1. UNIT-2 HUMAN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

2. Introduction – Human growth & Development Growth refers to quantitative changes in size, which include physical changes in height, weight, size, internal organs, etc. As an individual develops, old features like baby fat, hair and teeth, etc., disappear and new features like facial hair are acquired. When maturity comes, the second set of teeth, primary and secondary sex characteristics, etc., appear. Development, by contrast, refers to qualitative changes taking place simultaneously with quantitative changes of growth. It may be defined as a progressive series of orderly, coherent changes.

3. Definition According to author, J E Anderson (1950), ‘Development does not consist merely of adding inches to one’s height or improving one’s ability. Instead, development is a complex process of integrating many structures and functions’. Thus, development of an individual includes: Growth Capability Maturation Interaction with the environment

4. Principles of Growth and Development Development follows a pattern or a sequence: According to this principle, the child first gains control of the head, then the arms, then the legs. Infants gain control of head and face movements within the first two months after birth. In the next few months, they are able to lift themselves up using their arms. By 6 to 12 months of age, infants start to gain leg control and may be able to crawl, stand, or walk. (ii) Development proceeds from general to specific responses: It moves from a generalized to localized behaviour . The newborn infant moves its whole body at one time instead of moving only one part of it. It makes random kicking with its legs before it can coordinate the leg muscles well enough to crawl or to walk.

5. (iii) Development is a continuous process: Development does not occur in spurts. Growth continues from the moments of conception until the individual reaches maturity. It takes place at slow regular pace rather than by ‘leaps and bounds’. (iv) Development is predictable: 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. However, mental development cannot be predicted with the same degree of accuracy.

6. ( v ) Growth is both quantitative and qualitative: These two aspects are inseparable. The child not only grows in ‘size’; he grows up or matures in structure and function too. (vi) There are wide individual differences in growth: Individual differences in growth are caused by differences in heredity and environment.

7. Characteristics of Development Childhood is the foundation period for the development of an individual. Development is the result of maturation and learning. Development follows a definite and predictable pattern. All individuals are different and their development takes different courses according to their capability and environment. Certain characteristic traits are associated with each phase of development. Each period of development involves its own hazards. Traditional beliefs exist about individuals of different age groups. There is development from generalized to more specific forms of response. Development further makes it possible for the child to differentiate the movements.

8. Physical and Psychological Aspects of Growth and Development Age Groups (years) Stage of Development Description of Each Stages Birth to 2 Infancy Neonate: This stage is a period from birth to two weeks. Babyhood: This stage is of rapid growth and development. There are changes in body proportions as well as intellectual growth. 2 to 6 Early childhood This is the preschool period. It is also called the pre-gang age. In this stage, the child seeks gain control over his environment. He also starts to learn to make social adjustment.

9. 6 to 12 Late childhood This is the primary school age. Here child is expected to acquire the rudiments of knowledge that are considered essential for successful adjustment to adult life. He/She are also expected to learn certain essential skills. 12 to 18 Adolescence This is the period of physiological change. It is the period when children become sexually mature. It is also the period of intensified personal interaction with peers of the same and opposite sex.

10. 18 to 40 Young adulthood The responsibilities of adulthood include important decisions like choosing a career, a life partner, etc. Young adulthood begins with setting goals and aspirations. 40 to 60 Middle adulthood After settling down in thirties and having lived through with rooting phase, the individual starts feeling sense of uprooting and dissatisfaction during the forties. A physical decline in the form of wrinkles, thickening waistlines, greying and thinning hair start appearing.

11. Over 60 Late adulthood Aging is a process, which causes loss of vitality. Aged adults are more concerned about their health and death. Their visit to doctors is more frequent. Retirement has the worst impact on aged adults. They gradually lose their sense of meaningfulness in life. Some develop interests in social service and spend their time in financial planning, reading, travelling, visiting religious places and enjoying nature.

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