Definition of Human growth.

Human growth refers to the physical and the physiological changes that occur throughout life. These changes are qualitative such as physical growth and occur during the early phases of life to adolescent years.

Quantitative changes refer to measurable and obvious features of human development.

Definition of Human Development .

It refers to change in function and such changes are non-organic and usually qualitative .

Principles of Human Growth and Development.

1. Development follows a definite orderly sequential and predictable pattern rather than random. The order cannot be reversed.
2. Development follows two directional trends ; cephalocaudal trend – Development proceeds from the head to the heal, Proximodistal trend -Development proceeds from the centerline of the body to the other parts.
3. Although development is a continuous process , it is not always smooth and gradual. There are spurts , that is periods of accelerated growth.
4. There are critical or sensitive periods in development of body organs and psychological functions.
5. All developmental changes are a product of two basic processes- maturation and experience .
6. Development is shaped by historical / cultural context.
7. Different aspects of development are interrelated.
8. Human development is a holistic process .
9. Development is an individualized process.
10. Development proceeds from general to specific and simple to complex.
11. Development is a cumulative process.
12. There is much plasticity in human development.
13. Development is a factor of heredity and environment.