Chapter 52: Human Growth and Development

Four Main Types of Growth & Development

Development is a continuous process
Development follows a pattern
Development proceeds from general to specific responses
The rate of development is not uniform throughout life
Most of the traits are correlated in the process of development
Development is predictable
There is a wide individual difference in development
Development is the product of the interaction between the organism and his environment
Development is cumulative and application oriented

It is a narrow term referring only to the physical growth
Refers to increases in size, height, weight, length, etc
It is quantitative in nature and can be measured in terms of meter, gram, etc which are standart units
Growth stops when maturity is reached
It is structured in nature
Describes changes in particular aspects of the body

It is much broader and comprehensive term referring to all aspects of human personality- physical, social, metal, emotional, etc
Refers to overall changes in shape, form, or structure
It is qualitative in nature and difficult to measure
It is a continuous and lifelong process
Development is functional in nature resulting in efficiency and maturity
Describes changes in the organism as a whole

Age- birth to 2 year old
Conflict- Trust vs. Mistrust
Dramatic and rapid changes
Physical development- roll over, crawl, walk, grasp objects
Mental development- respond to cold, hunger, and pain by crying. Begin to recognize surroundings and become aware of surroundings and people
Emotional development- show anger, distrust, happiness, excitement, etc
Social development- self-centeredness concept of the newborn to recognition of others in their environment

Age- 3-6 years old
Conflict:
- Toddler 1 to 3 years- Autonomy vs. shame and doubt
- Preschool 3 to 6 years- Initiative vs. guilt
Physical development- growth slower than in infancy. Muscle coordination allows the child to learn how to run, climb, move freely. Can write, draw, and use utensils
Mental development- verbal growth progresses, short attention span, at end of stage to ask question, recognize letters, and some words
Emotional development- develop self-awareness and recognize the effect they have on other people and things. Children feel impatience and frustration as they try to do things beyond their abilities. This leads to temper tantrums (the terrible two’s)

Age- 6-12 years old
Conflict- industry vs. inferiority
Physical development- slow but steady. Muscle coordination is well developed and children can engage in physical activity that require complex motor-sensory coordination
Mental development- developing quickly and much of the child’s life centers around school. Reading and writing skills are learned, understand abstract concepts like honesty, loyalty values, and morals
Emotional development- the child achieves greater independence and a more distinct personality. Fears are replaced by the ability to cope
Social development- changes from activities by themselves to more group oriented. They are more ready to accept the opinions of others and learn to conform to rules, and standards of behavior. Needs are the same as infancy and early childhood along with the need for reassurance, parental approval, and peer acceptance.

Age- 12-20 years old
Conflict- identity vs. role confusion
Physical development- growth spurts, muscle coordination slows. Puberty. Secretion of sex hormones leads to the onset of menstruation in girls and the production of sperm and semen in boys. Body shape and form changes
Mental development- most foundations have been set. Development primarily involves an increase in knowledge and sharpening of skills. Learn to make decisions and accept responsibility for actions
Emotional development- emotional development is often stormy and in conflict. Adolescents try to establish their identities and independence. They respond more and more to peer group influences
Social development- spending less time with family and more time with peer group. They attempt to develop self-identity and independence to seek security from their peers. Toward the end of this stage they develop a more mature attitude and develop patterns of behavior that they associate with adult behavior
- Need for reassurance, support and understanding. Problems that develop in this stage can be traced to conflict and feelings of inadequacy and insecurity