DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY
PSYC105
MODULE 1: INTRO TO HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
(Growth, Development and Maturation)
(Growth, Development and Maturation)
HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
ex: Puberty beginning at age 11
- Focuses on the scientific study of the systematic
Brain developing enough for a baby to start
process of change and stability in people.
walking
- Developmental scientists look at ways in which
people change from conception through maturity as - The rate of a person’s growth and development is
well as at characteristics that remain fairly stable.
(Growth, Developmenthighly
and Maturation)
individualized, however the sequence is
predictable.
LIFE-SPAN DEVELOPMENT
- It is independent of the environment but its timing
- Concept of human development as a lifelong can be influenced by environmental factors.
process.
Examples of Growth, Development, and Maturation
- From "womb to tomb", comprising the entire human
Growth - The baby’s muscles and bones get stronger
life span from conception to death.
and longer.
Physical Cognitive Psychosocial Maturation - The nervous system develops to a point
- Motor Skills - Memory - Personality where walking is biologically possible.
- Growth of - Learning - Social Development - The baby practices walking, gains
body and brain - Creativity Relationships coordination, and eventually walks confidently.
- Health - Attention - Emotions
- Sensory - Reasoning Factors Influencing Growth & Development
Capabilities - Thinking 1. Genetic Factors
- Language • Determine sex, race, body type, potential for
certain diseases
GROWTH
2. Environmental Factors
- Physical change, measurable. • Include nutrition, climate, culture, religion,
- Indicators of growth include height, weight, bone family, school
size and dentition. • Example: Poor nutrition may delay height gain
and increase illness risk
DEVELOPMENT
Principles Of Growth & Development
- Refers to the increase in the complexity of function
• Growth is continuous and lifelong.
and skill progression.
• Pattern is predictable (sequence stays the
- Observable in behavior: walking, talking, running,
same, timing may vary)
emotional expression.
• Cephalocaudal (head to toe) and
Ps: Growth and development are separate but Proximodistal (center to outward)
connected processes. Growth (like muscle and bone • Learning can support or hinder development
changes) must reach a certain stage before • Each stage has unique characteristics
development (like sitting or walking) can happen. • Some stages are more critical (e.g., first 1,000
Growth mainly occurs in the first 20 years, while days)
development continues throughout life.
MATURATION
- The unfolding of a natural sequence of physical
changes and behavior patterns.
PSYC105
MODULE 1: INTRO TO HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
(Growth, Development and Maturation)
(Growth, Development and Maturation)
HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
ex: Puberty beginning at age 11
- Focuses on the scientific study of the systematic
Brain developing enough for a baby to start
process of change and stability in people.
walking
- Developmental scientists look at ways in which
people change from conception through maturity as - The rate of a person’s growth and development is
well as at characteristics that remain fairly stable.
(Growth, Developmenthighly
and Maturation)
individualized, however the sequence is
predictable.
LIFE-SPAN DEVELOPMENT
- It is independent of the environment but its timing
- Concept of human development as a lifelong can be influenced by environmental factors.
process.
Examples of Growth, Development, and Maturation
- From "womb to tomb", comprising the entire human
Growth - The baby’s muscles and bones get stronger
life span from conception to death.
and longer.
Physical Cognitive Psychosocial Maturation - The nervous system develops to a point
- Motor Skills - Memory - Personality where walking is biologically possible.
- Growth of - Learning - Social Development - The baby practices walking, gains
body and brain - Creativity Relationships coordination, and eventually walks confidently.
- Health - Attention - Emotions
- Sensory - Reasoning Factors Influencing Growth & Development
Capabilities - Thinking 1. Genetic Factors
- Language • Determine sex, race, body type, potential for
certain diseases
GROWTH
2. Environmental Factors
- Physical change, measurable. • Include nutrition, climate, culture, religion,
- Indicators of growth include height, weight, bone family, school
size and dentition. • Example: Poor nutrition may delay height gain
and increase illness risk
DEVELOPMENT
Principles Of Growth & Development
- Refers to the increase in the complexity of function
• Growth is continuous and lifelong.
and skill progression.
• Pattern is predictable (sequence stays the
- Observable in behavior: walking, talking, running,
same, timing may vary)
emotional expression.
• Cephalocaudal (head to toe) and
Ps: Growth and development are separate but Proximodistal (center to outward)
connected processes. Growth (like muscle and bone • Learning can support or hinder development
changes) must reach a certain stage before • Each stage has unique characteristics
development (like sitting or walking) can happen. • Some stages are more critical (e.g., first 1,000
Growth mainly occurs in the first 20 years, while days)
development continues throughout life.
MATURATION
- The unfolding of a natural sequence of physical
changes and behavior patterns.
