GROWTH,

MATURATION
AND
DEVELOPMENT

By: Dr. Shweta Grover

Concept of growth and maturation both are essential in
understanding development and changes that occur in
living organisms particularly in humans, while they are
related but both refer to distinct processes
 GROWTH
Growth is the physical changes that take place in human body. The increase in height, weight, mass,
color, size, number, kind, position, symmetry and other physical changes considered as growth.
All the physical changes that take place in human body taking it the size of the head and the fingers and
the size of the body limbs are considered to be growth of the child.
The kind of physical changes that take place from birth till the end of adolescence.
It is relatively quantitative change & straightforward process that can be observed and quantified. It can
be occur in various parts of organism’s body such as bones, muscles and organs.
It is perceivable as growth can be perceived through senses
It is influenced by many factors
However these physical changes are occur for limited time and the pace of physical growth slows down
during adolescence. It is a natural process that occurs throughout the lifespan, though the rate varies
at different stages of life.. Evidently it cannot be denied that the physical changes taken place in human
body is called as growth.
 Intrinsic
process

Aspects of Extrinsic
development process

Characteristics of
growth
Intrinsic
measurable
changes

Dependent
upon multiple Continuous
factors
 NATURE OF GROWTH
• Every organism begins with a single cell and by taking and transforming nourishment it grows into an
individual of its own species.
• The increase is the result of enlargement of cells, thus formed
• An organism does not grow forever, nor the rate of growth is uniform.
• It grows at a varying rate till the size of its species is attained. Then it stops
• Growth is the product of the interaction of the organism and its environment. Heredity and Environment are
the two important factors in the growth and development of a child
• Acceleration in growth begins earlier in girls but lasts longer in boys. Growth is complete before twenty, at
least as regards height. Shape of organism also changes with age.
• Normal growth is a sign of good health. Very rapid or very slow growth may indicate poor health. Rapid
growth at the beginning of puberty is the most critical period both physically and mentally
 DEVELOPMENT

Development is broader a concept that encompasses both quantitative and qualitative changes. It
involves progression and refinement of various aspects including physical, cognitive, emotional,
social, and moral aspects. Development include change in structure, function, behaviors, skills,
capabilities. Unlike growth development not limited to physical changes. It also includes changes in
individual abilities, understanding and interaction with the environment. It is overall change of
child.
✔ It is the Progressive series of changes of an orderly and coherent type leading to the individual’s
maturation. This definition implies that for development to be progressive, there is a direction in
the manner in which changes occur. (it is the result of maturation & learning)

✔ It is also coherent, essentially because the sequence of changes that are related to each other and
do not occur haphazardly and abruptly.

✔ It is joint product of heredity & Environment (What the child receives from Parents & what he
shares with his environment Conjointly shapes his personality)

✔ It is continuous and life long process (continues throughout life). Starts with birth and end with
death of the individual • it covers whole life span of the individual.

✔ It is a wide & comprehensive term Includes growth .Growth is a part of development

✔ Development refers to changes in various parts of the body and behavior as a whole.
✔ Development can be observed and assessed by noting changes in the shape as they occur & in the mode of behavior as
their maturation is completed.

✔ Qualitative changes are the subject of assessment & not the subject of measurement (Direct measurement is not
possible

✔ Development is closely related to growth in fact growth & development are interrelated (growth without development
is meaningless) When body grows in structure, it also develops in function (BUT THIS IS NOT ALWAYS TRUE)

✔ Sometimes development is possible without significant growth. for example some individual do not grow in size or
height but they develop intelligence, Stamina, & ability to adjust in various situation. (Intellectual & Social
development may continue even after the growth stops)

✔ Development can be Physical as well as Intellectual (cognitive), emotional, social, moral & spiritual (Development in
its Quantitative aspect is known as growth)

“Development is a continuous and gradual process.” -- skinner

 RELATION BETWEEN GROWTH AN DEVELOPMENT

• Interdependence: While growth and development are different, they are interdependent. Physical
growth often supports developmental milestones. For example, as a child's brain grows, their cognitive
abilities develop.
• Sequential Process: Growth often follows a predictable sequence (e.g., a baby grows in height and
weight), and this growth is accompanied by developmental stages (e.g., learning to crawl, then walk).
• Influence of Environment: Both growth and development are influenced by genetic factors and
environmental conditions, such as nutrition, healthcare, and stimulation.
• Holistic Approach: To understand a child's overall well-being, it is essential to consider both growth
(physical changes) and development (functional and cognitive progress) together.
• Example: A child growing in height (growth) might simultaneously develop the ability to run and play
complex games (development). Both processes are essential for the child to reach their full potential
physically and mentally.
 MATURATION

Maturation specifically refers to the process of reaching full functionality or culmination of

development that is generally predetermined. It involves the unfolding of genetically programmed
changes that enables an organism to achieve specific milestone or acquire certain abilities. It is
often associated with age related changes and follows a predetermined sequence. Its natural and
intrinsic process that occurs as an organism advances through its life stages.
 KEY DIFFERENCE
Growth Development Maturation
Focuses on quantitative changes like
Encompasses qualitative changes in various aspects
size, mass or quantity
including physical, cognitive, social, emotional, & Refers to the genetically programmed
moral dimensions process of reaching full functionality

Primarily related to physical changes in Extends beyond physical changes includes also Involves both cognitive and physical
bodily organism intellectual, emotional and social changes changes but it is often more associated with
physical changes
Can be measured using objective It involves changes that are not always easily measured
criteria such as height, weight or cell and may required qualitative assessment. Its progress is often defined by reaching
count. specific biological milestone or acquiring
Influenced by combination of genetic factors, certain abilities.
Can be influenced by factors such as environmental experiences, and individual interaction.
It is largely guided by genetics but can still
nutrition & physical activity.
be affected by environmental factors.