II. Developmental Principles

Development is lifelong

Development is a lifelong process of change

Development is multidimensional

Development has interacting domains; physical, cognitive, psychosocial— each of which may develop at varying rates

Development is plastic

Many abilities, such as memory, strength, and endurance, can be improved significantly with training and practice, even late in life

Development is multidirectional

As people gain in one area, they may lose in another, sometimes at the same time

Development is contextual

Each person develops within multiple contexts; circumstances or conditions defined in part by maturation and in part by time and place

Development is a co-construction of biology, culture, and the individual

The process of development is influenced by both biology and culture, but the balance between these influences’ changes

Development involves changing resource allocations

Individuals choose to invest their resources of time, energy, talent, money, and social support in varying ways