Ch 9

• Nature and determinants of development
• Development is the dynamic process of growth and change throughout an individual's lifespan
• Development includes physical, motor, cognitive, physiological, social, emotional, and personality changes
• Development is a lifelong process from conception to death
• Development is systematic, progressive, and orderly, usually following a pattern from general to specific and simple to complex
• Development is multi-directional, with some areas showing increase while others may decline
• Development involves both gain and loss, with newer and different changes taking place
• Development is influenced by both hereditary (nature) and environmental (nurture) factors
• Growth refers to quantitative changes in the organic structure, while development includes functional and qualitative changes
• Maturation is the natural unfolding of changes with increasing age, primarily biological and influenced by genetic factors
• Learning occurs through interaction with the environment, with maturation providing the foundation for learning
• Evolution refers to gradual changes passed on from generation to generation for survival
• Development is a multi-dimensional, interrelated, stable, and contextual process with individual differences in the rate of changes
• Domains of development: physical and motor, cognitive, and socio-emotional development
• Physical and motor development: changes in body size, structure, brain development, perceptual and motor skills
• Cognitive development: intellectual processes, memory, attention, intelligence, problem-solving, language, and creativity
• Socio-emotional development: relationships, emotions, emotional communication, self-control, interpersonal skills, personality, and moral reasoning
• Stages of development:

  • Prenatal period: from conception to birth, single-celled organism changes into a human baby within the womb
  • Infancy and toddlerhood: from birth to two years, rapid changes in body and brain lead to sensory, motor, social, and cognitive capacities emerging
  • Early childhood: from two to six years, motor skills are refined, language develops, ties are formed with peers, and learning through play occurs
  • Middle childhood: from 6 to 11 years, acquisition of literacy skills, refinement of thought processes, emergence of friendships, and formation of self-concept
• • Late adulthood: from 60 years onwards, marked by retirement, decrease in stamina and physical health, bonding with grandchildren, and dealing with impending old age and death
• • Adolescence: from 11 to 20 years, marked by puberty, rapid physical and hormonal changes, emergence of abstract thinking, sexual maturity, stronger peer ties, and sense of self-autonomy
  • Early adulthood: from 20 to 40 years, leaving home for education or career, forming intimate relationships, leading to marriage and having children
  • Middle adulthood: from 40 to 60 years, peak of career, helping children become independent, looking after aging parents
• Indian setup life stages:

  • Brahmacharya: period of learning as a student under guidance, focusing on discipline and simple living
  • Grihasth: working and taking on the responsibility of raising and maintaining a family within the social context
  • Vanaprastha: period of seclusion after raising the family, requiring discipline, austerity, and sharing responsibility with younger people
  • Sannyas: final stage of life, achieving detachment from worldly objects, freedom from desire, moving towards ultimate self-knowledge and renunciation
• Genetic influences:

  • At conception, the mother's ovum and father's sperm unite to form a new cell with 46 chromosomes arranged in 23 pairs
  • Genes, the actual trait carriers, are found in chromosomes and determine physical and psychological characteristics
  • Genes can be dominant or recessive, influencing traits like color blindness
  • Genotype refers to genetic material, while phenotype refers to physical and behavioral characteristics determined by both genetic and environmental factors
• Environmental influences:

  • Prenatal stage: internal and external harmful agents, maternal nutrition, diseases, and emotional stress can affect fetal development
  • Postnatal stage: various environmental factors influence child development, including the microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem, macrosystem, and chronosystem in the ecological system theory
  • Children are products and producers of their environment, with interdependent effects of nature and nurture
• Importance of understanding development:

  • Knowing individual capabilities at different ages
  • Providing opportunities and stimulation for optimal development
  • Preparing for physical and psychological changes
  • Facilitating development by providing an enriched environment