(UNIT -1)

INTRODUCTION TO DEVELOPMENT

What is Life Span Development?

Lifespan development, also known as human development, is a branch of psychology
concerned with understanding consistency and change throughout a person's life (Berk,
2010).

Developmental psychology is the scientific study of how people change throughout their
lives, from conception to death. explores how we all grow through the stages of our
lives, including infancy, childhood, adolescence, and adulthood Nature (our genetics
and biology) and nurture both contribute to these changes (the environment around us).
Nature and nurture work together to influence growth in three developmental domains:
physical, socioemotional, and cognitive.

Changes in the physical domain are caused by changes in hormone levels and the
growth of the body, including the brain. Changes in the socioemotional domain include
how we understand ourselves, interact with others, experience and regulate emotions,
and so on. Finally, cognitive domain changes affect how we think, reason, and
communicate. The study of how humans grow and change over the course of their lives
is known as life span development.
 (UNIT -1)

INTRODUCTION TO DEVELOPMENT
The Concept
The terms growth and development are often used interchangeably. Actually they are
conceptually different. Neither growth nor development takes place all by itself.

Growth refers to quantitative changes / biological changes in size which include

physical changes in height, weight, size, internal organs, etc. As an individual develops,
old features like baby fat, hair and tooth, etc., disappear and new features like facial hair
etc.. are acquired. When maturity comes, the second set of teeth, primary and
secondary sex characteristics, etc., appear. Similar changes occur in all aspects of the
personality. During infancy and chidhood, the body steadily becomes larger, taller and
heavier . To designate this change the term growth is used. Growth involves changes in
body proportions as well as in overall stature and weight. The term growth thus
indicates an incrcase in bodily dimensions. But the rate of growth differs from one part
of the body to the other.

Development, refers to qualitative changes/ functional changes taking place

simultaneously with quantitative changes of growth. It may be defined as a progressive
series of order, coherent changes. The term progressive signifies that changes are
directional, that they lead forward rather than backward. Orderly and coherent suggest
that there is a definite relationship between the changes taking place and those that
precede or will follow them. Development represents changes in an organism from its
origin to its death, but more particularly the progressive changes which take place from
origin to maturity.
Thus, development may be explained as the series of overall changes in an individual
due to the emergence of modified structures and functions that are the outcome of the
interactions and exchanges between the organism and its environment.

Maturation: refers to a general state in which people achieve full functionality or

development in a variety of ways. It frequently refers to the process by which young
children become more adult-like in their behaviour or biological appearance in human
development. In some cultures, getting a job and learning to drive are considered signs
that a person is maturing into adulthood. It refers to the concept of an individual
reaching a developmental end-state or milestone.
 (UNIT -1)

INTRODUCTION TO DEVELOPMENT
GROWTH DEVELOPMENT

Growth refers to physiological changes. Development refers to overall changes in the

individual. It involves changes in an orderly and
coherent type towards the goal of maturity

Changes in the quantitative respect is termed as Development changes in the quality along with
growth. quantitative aspect
Growth does not continue throughout life. Development continues throughout life
Growth stops after maturation Development is progressive.
Growth occurs due to the multiplication of cells Development occurs due to both maturation and
interaction with the environment

Growth is cellular. Development is organizational.

Growth is one of the parts of the developmental Development is a wider and comprehensive
process term.
Growth may be referred to describe the changes Development describes the changes in the
in particular aspects of the body and behavior of organism as a whole.
the organism

The changes produced by growth are subjects Development brings qualitative changes which
of measurements. They may be quantified and are difficult to measure directly. They are
observable in nature. assessed through keen observation of
behaviorism different situations

Growth may or may not bring development. Development is possible without growth.

Growth is age dependent. Development occurs throughout lifespan.

 (UNIT -1)

INTRODUCTION TO DEVELOPMENT

PRINCIPLES OF DEVELOPMENT
Development is a progressive, orderly, and coherent process directed toward the goal
of maturity. It encompasses physical, cognitive, emotional, and social growth, and
follows several foundational principles:

1. Interaction of Heredity and Environment

Development is shaped by the dynamic interplay between genetic inheritance (heredity)

and external surroundings (environment). A child’s genetic potential may provide the
foundation for growth, but environmental factors such as nutrition, education, culture,
and family atmosphere significantly influence how these potentials are realized. For
instance, a child with a genetic disposition for intelligence may not achieve optimal
development without a stimulating learning environment.

2. Maturation and Learning as Dual Forces

Development results from both maturation (natural unfolding of abilities) and learning
(experiential influences). Maturation involves internal, biological growth processes that
unfold over time, such as walking or puberty, while learning reflects changes in
behaviour brought about through experience and training, such as language acquisition
or social skills. Both are essential: maturation provides readiness, and learning utilizes it
to develop complex skills.

3. Continuity: A Lifelong Process

Development is a continuous process that begins at conception and continues until

death. In early life, it includes changes in body size, functioning, and behaviour. But
even after reaching physical and mental maturity, development does not stop. Changes
continue into adulthood and old age, including declines or adaptations associated with
senescence. Life events, roles, and responsibilities also contribute to this ongoing
evolution, making development a truly lifelong journey.

4. Sequential and Orderly Progression

Development occurs in a predictable and sequential manner. While the rate may vary,
the pattern is typically consistent across individuals. For instance, children crawl before
they walk, and babble before they speak. Physical development follows set directions—
cephalo-caudal (head to toe) and proximo-distal (center to periphery). These sequences
apply across domains: cognitive, motor, emotional, and social. This orderly progression
 (UNIT -1)

INTRODUCTION TO DEVELOPMENT
helps us understand developmental milestones and identify any delays.

5. Progression from General to Specific

In all areas of development, responses move from broad and undifferentiated to specific
and purposeful. For example, infants initially move their limbs in random ways, but over
time these movements become directed, such as reaching for a toy. Similarly, language
develops from general vocalizations to specific words and structured sentences.
Emotional responses also become more refined, evolving from general distress to
specific expressions of fear, joy, or anger.

6. Individual Differences and Uneven Growth (Differentiality)

Development is not uniform. Each individual grows at a unique pace, and different
aspects of development progress at different rates. Boys and girls may develop
differently, and even within one person, areas such as language, motor skills, or
emotional maturity may advance at different speeds. Additionally, physical features like
hands and feet mature earlier than the face or shoulders. Cognitive functions also follow
varied timelines—memory and creativity may peak in early adolescence, while
reasoning skills develop more gradually.

7. Cumulative and Progressive Nature

Development builds upon itself. Skills acquired in earlier stages form the foundation for
future learning and growth. For example, the ability to crawl supports walking, and basic
vocabulary lays the groundwork for complex language use. This principle also
emphasizes that disruptions in early development can have lasting impacts, highlighting
the importance of supportive early environments.

8. Individualized Pathways of Development

No two individuals develop in exactly the same way. Factors such as temperament,
family structure, cultural background, education, and life experiences shape each
person’s developmental trajectory. While broad patterns exist, recognizing and
respecting individual differences is essential—especially in educational and caregiving
contexts where tailored approaches may be necessary.