Principles of Human Growth and Development

Theories of Development

Growth and development are interrelated concepts, with growth referring to physical changes and development implying both physical and psychological advancement.
Various theories exist to explain how human growth and development occur. These include Freud’s Psychosexual Development Theory, Erikson’s Psychosocial Development Theory, Piaget’s Cognitive Development Theory, and Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory.
These theories suggest that individuals pass through different stages throughout their lives, and particular developmental tasks or crises must be resolved at each stage.

Physical development involves changes in the body such as height, weight, and motor skills development.
Early stages of development are marked by rapid physical growth. This slows during childhood, accelerates again during adolescence with puberty, and slows in adulthood.
Human growth is tracked on growth charts and compared to typical values for age and sex.

Cognitive development refers to how we perceive, think, and gain understanding of our world through interaction and influence of genetic and learning factors.
Piaget suggested children pass through four stages of cognitive development - the Sensorimotor (0-2), Preoperational (2-7), Concrete operational (7-11) and Formal operational stage (11 onwards).

Emotional development is about how individuals understand and express feelings and emotions.
Erikson’s theory outlines eight stages of psychosocial development, each with its own conflict that leads to either success or failure resulting in an overall healthier or unhealthy personality.
Socialisation teaches individuals how to behave within society and what norms or rules are expected of them.

Human growth and development are influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Good health, nutrition and a safe environment promote optimal development.
Socioeconomic factors, childhood experiences, education, and culture can all impact how a person develops.

Human development is a lifelong process. Each stage of life affects and is affected by other life stages.
The concept of life-span development underscores the importance of both stability and change in our behaviour and abilities, regardless of the stage of life.
While the order of life stages is predictable, the timing and speed with which people move through these stages can vary significantly.

##Health and Wellbeing

Growth and development are also linked to health and wellbeing.
Physical health is influenced by factors such as nutrition, exercise, and medical care.
Emotional health relates to how effectively an individual can control and express their emotions
Mental health refers to an individual’s cognitive and emotional wellbeing.