Section 1.1 Meaning, scope, key concepts, and principles of human development

Below are fundamental concepts to the study of Human Development (Schaffer, 2007):

a.     Development: Development is a qualitative change that involves the progressive acquisition of skills, abilities, and functions. It includes aspects like learning to speak, forming relationships, and solving problems. Development is continuous, orderly, and involves changes in physical, emotional, social, and intellectual capabilities.

b.     Human Development: Human development refers to the process of growth and change that occurs throughout the lifespan from conception to old age. It involves physical, cognitive, emotional, social, moral, and language changes that shape individuals’ abilities, behaviors, and identity.

c.      Growth: Growth is a quantitative aspect of development. It primarily refers to physical changes such as increase in height, weight, size of organs, and other measurable biological changes. Growth is observable and typically occurs in a predictable pattern, especially during early childhood and adolescence.

d.     Maturation: Maturation is the natural unfolding of growth and development according to genetic programming. It refers to the changes that occur in the body and behavior as a result of biological aging, regardless of environmental influence like walking, teething, or puberty.

e.     Lifespan Perspective: Human development is a lifelong process, occurring across various stages: prenatal, infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and old age. Each stage is characterized by specific developmental tasks and challenges.

f.      Individual Differences: Development is unique to each individual, influenced by genetics, environment, and life experiences. While general patterns exist, individuals progress at their own pace and in their own way.

g.     Interconnectedness of Domains: All areas of development physical, cognitive, emotional, social, moral, and language are interconnected. Changes in one domain can influence others. For example, physical health can affect emotional well-being and learning ability.

h.     Nature and Nurture: Human development is shaped by the interaction between heredity and Genes provide the biological foundation, while environment including family, culture, and education shapes the direction and quality of development.