PHYSICAL
DEVELOPMENTS
INFANCY & TODDLERHOOD
EARLY CHILDHOOD
MIDDLE CHILDHOOD
ADOLESCENT
EARLY ADULTHOOD
MIDDLE ADULTHOOD
LATE ADULTHOOD
,DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY:
Developmental psychology is the scientific study of how and why human beings change over the
course of their life. This field examines change across three major dimensions: physical
development, cognitive development, and socioemotional development. Within these three dimensions
are a broad range of topics including motor skills, executive functions, moral understanding, language
acquisition, social change, personality, emotional development, self-concept and identity formation.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
Growth is different from development. But both are correlated and one is dependent on other.
We can say that growth is a part of development, which is limited in physical changes.
Growth is physical changes whereas development is overall development of the organism. The
main differences between both are:
Growth Development
Growth is change of physical aspects of the Development is overall changes and
organism. progressive changes of the organism.
Growth is cellular. Development is organizational.
Growth is the change in shape, form, Development is structural change and
structure, size of the body. functional progress of the body.
Growth stops at maturation. Development continues till death of the
organism.
Development also includes growth. Growth is a part of development.
Growth and development go side by side. Growth and development go side by side.
Growth and development is the joint product Growth and development is the joint product
of heredity and environment. of heredity and environment.
Growth is quantitative. Development is qualitative in nature.
Growth can be measured accurately. Development is subjective interpretation of
one’s change.
, PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENTS IN EIGHT PERIODS OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
AGE PERIOD PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENTS
Prenatal Period Conception occurs by normal fertilization or other means.
The genetic endowment interacts with environmental influences
(Conception to Birth) from the start.
Basic body structures and organs form: brain growth spurt begins.
Physical growth is the most rapid in the life span.
Vulnerability to environmental influences is great.
Infancy & Toddler All senses & Body systems operate at birth to varying degrees.
hood The brain grows in complexity & is highly sensitive to
environmental influences.
(Birth to age 3) Physical growth & development of motor skills are rapid.
Early Childhood Growth is steady: appearance becomes more slender &
proportions more adult like.
(3 to 6 years) Appetite diminishes, & sleep problems are common.
Handedness appears; fine and gross motor skills and strength
improves.
Middle Childhood Growth slows.
Strength & athletic skills improve.
(6 to 11 years) Respiratory illnesses are common, but health is generally better
than at any other time in the life span.
Adolescence Physical growth & other changes are rapid & profound.
Reproductive maturity occurs.
(11 to about 20 Major health risks arise from behavioral issues, such as eating
years) disorders & drug abuse.
Young Adulthood Physical condition peaks, and then declines slightly.
Lifestyle choices influence health.
(20 to 40 years)
Middle Adulthood Slow deterioration of sensory abilities, health, stamina, & strength
may begin, but individual differences are wide.
(40 to 65 years) Women experience menopause.
Late Adulthood (65 Most people are healthy & active, although health & physical
years and over) abilities generally decline.
Slowing of reaction time affects some aspects of functioning.
PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT:
Infants (birth to age 1) and toddlers (ages 1 to 2) grow quickly; bodily changes are rapid and
profound. Physical development refers to biological changes that children undergo as they
age. Important aspects that determine the progress of physical development in infancy and
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