Growth and Development: meaning, principles, difference and factors affecting growth and development

Introduction

Growth and development are considered to be the synonyms but both the terms are different in meaning.

‎Researchers refer to growth as an increase or change in size, height, and weight of body parts and organs. Growth is related with cellular multiplication which is quantitative in nature. We can measure growth by measuring height, weight and size etc. On the other hand, development is a series of changes in the behaviour and use of your body parts. We can see new abilities as a result of development. It is both quantitative and qualitative in nature.

Example – A baby’s hand and finger development and strength is growth. Using the hand and finger properly like grasping a ball or holding a pencil is an example of development.

Definition: Crow and Crow defines growth as structural and physiological change while Development refers to growth as well as change in behaviour.

Note: Growth and development both move forward.

Difference between Growth and Development:

Growth:-

1. Growth is related to physical development only.

2. Growth is limited as it only happens till a limited time period. Humans, animals and birds etc physical growth is limited. Our hands and feet don’t grow till our death.

3. Growth is quantitative as we can measure it .

4. Accurate Measurement is possible as we can use instruments to measure it. Like – weighing machines to measure the weight etc.

5. It is external in nature as we can see the growth in person.

6. Growth is structural. It happens in the parts of the body and organs.

7. It is related to changes or increase in height, weight and size etc.

8. It has a narrow scope in nature. It is just part of development.

9. Growth may or may not bring development with it.

10. Growth is biological.

Development:-

1. It is related to overall development of the child.

2. It is a continuous process as it starts from the womb and ends with death. It continues throughout life.

3. Development is both quantitative and qualitative in nature.

4. We cannot measure development accurately. We can only observe the development.

5. It is internal in nature. Because we cannot see the development like Growth. Ex- we can see a child’ increasing height but we cannot see his development by external body.

6. Development is functional in nature. It develops the function of parts and organs of the body.

7. Development is related to changes in behaviour, intellectual, emotional, moral and social aspects of life.

8. It is wide in nature and related to all changes in the body.

9. Development is possible without growth.

10. Development is a result of both heredity and environment.

Development follows a fixed pattern:

(I) Cephalocaudal Pattern:

This development starts from the head to toe. It means, a baby first gains control over their head, then their upper body, and finally their lower body.

(II) Proximodistal Pattern:

It starts from the center part of the body to the outer parts. For example, a baby’s chest strengthens first, followed by their arms, hands, and finally fingers.

Principles of Growth and Development:

1. Principle of Continuity: Development is a continuous process, in which it is faster at the beginning and gradually slows down over time.
2. Principle of Individuality: Every person has individual differences. Development differs in every person in every aspect. For example, two boys can have different heights or even different IQs.
3. Principle of Modifiability: We can modify development through education. Schools can update and improve their curriculum according the needs of growth and development in students.
4. Principle of Uniform Pattern: Every person goes through the same development pattern as anybody else. This pattern is consistent across the world.
5. Principle of Integration: Development is independent yet integrated. Every part of the body helps other parts in development.
6. Principle of Repeatation: Development repeats itself after an interval. For example, narcissism first occurs in the infancy stage and then reappears in adolescence.
7. Principle of Integration between Heredity and Environment: Heredity determines the limits of development, while the environment provides opportunities for growth within those limits. We cannot exceed our genetic potential.
8. Principle of Spiral Pattern: Development follows a spiral pattern rather than a linear one. Development can be slow, fast, or even sluggish, but it never stops.
9. Principle of Interrelation: One development affects another. For example, a healthy physique contributes to a healthy mind.

Stages of Growth and Development:

Before Birth:

1. Life begins with conception in the mother’s womb. The fetus spends approximately nine months in the womb. This period is known as the prenatal period.

2. The time just before the fetus emerges from the mother’s womb is called antenatal period.

3. Immediately after birth, when the infant first interacts with the environment, is called the postnatal period (birth to 2 weeks).

After Birth:

1. Infancy: birth to 2 years

2. Childhood: 2 to 12 years

(I) Early childhood: 2 to 6 years

         (II) Late childhood: 6 to 12 years

Note:- Piaget has divided childhood in two parts – Early childhood and Later childhood.

3. Adolescence: 12 to 18 years

4. Adulthood: 18 to 60 years

5. Old age: 60 until death.

Factors Affecting Growth and Development:

1. Physique: A weak body cannot strengthen the strong mind and heart.
2. Intelligence: Intelligence contributes to the development of a child.
3. Heredity: As we read it earlier, heredity is the main factor to influence development. Body structure, height, and body chemistry, etc., affect the growth and development.
4. Genes: Both the parents transmit the generational characters through their genes to the offspring. This happens during the formation of a zygote.
5. Emotions: Emotions like fear, anxiety, anger, and jealousy, etc., affect the physical, moral, social, and language development. Emotional maturity is important for a better growth and development of the child.
6. Sociability: Social exposure helps the child to develop properly. The child will have ample opportunities to grow.
7. Environmental Influence Before Birth: Any radiation, external pressure on the child, pollution, malnutrition, etc., affect the child.
8. Mother’s Care:Heavy or extra work, lack of care and affection, low nutrients, or any disease will create a lapse in the child’s growth and development.
9. Accidents and Incidents: Any damage to the brain will directly affect the social, emotional, intellectual, and physical growth of the child. It is necessary to take care of the mother during pregnancy to avoid any complications.
10. Opportunities: If a child cannot get opportunities to grow, their development will be affected. Therefore, the child should receive more opportunities for overall development.
11. Education: Education is an important factor in development, as a child spends most of their precious time in school. It is the school’s responsibility to cater to their needs and requirements. Education should be according to the child’s level and encompass everything that influences their learning and development.
12. Family: The family, as part of society and the child’s home, directly influences the child’s growth through decisions, mindset, social and economic status, etc., since the child spends most of their life there.
13. Proper Diet: A proper diet is necessary for healthy and better growth. We cannot support a child’s development unless we provide the right amount of nutrients and vitamins.