Growth & Development

Human Growth And Development

Growth and development are the medium and means for bringing about changes in the organisms. 

But the two terms have different meanings

List of Contents below:

·      Growth

·      Development

·      Distinction between growth & development

·      Characteristics of growth

·      Characteristics of development

Growth:

The term growth refers to the quantitative aspect. It denotes the process of physical maturation, resulting an increase in the size of the body and various organs. Physical growth can be measured, so growth is related with the body. 

Development:

The word development indicates change. The changes occurring from time to time are called development. It refers to the qualitative aspect of intelligence (High /Low)

The changes from the mental, social, emotional and psychical viewpoints are included under development.

The distinction table below will give a clear view about growth and development.

Growth	Development
Quantitative changes	Qualitative changes
Refers to increase in size, height, weight.	Refers to changes in structure & improvement in functioning
It is measurable	It is observable
Does not continue throughout the life-span	It is continuous throughout life
Stops after maturation. Maturation is the end point.	Does not stops after puberty
Growth is Physical	Development is Physical, Social, emotional and Intellectual
It is a narrow term used for specific type of increase in size, weight…	It is a wider & comprehensive term which covers growth also
Growth indicates changes occurring in any part of the individual	Development indicates the total integrated changes in individual
Not directional, due to multiplication of cells	Progressive & sequential
Individual difference exist	Children differ in level of development
Not affected by learning	Learning and experience affect development
May or may not lead to development	Promotes development in other aspect

Characteristics of growth & development

Characteristics of growth:

• Growth refers to increase caused by becoming larger and heavier 
• It is quantitative (means an increase in size, height, length and weight, which can be measured)
• It refers to the growth of a particular part of a body
• It does not continue throughout life
• It stops when maturity has been attained. 
• Objectively observable and measurable 
• Growth does not continue throughout life 
• Growth may or may not bring development
• Rate of growth is not uniform 
• There exist a wide range of individual differences among children with respect to growth 
• The rate of growth of different parts of the body is different 

Characteristics of development:

1. The word development implies change in shape form or structure, resulting in improved working or functioning. 
2. Improve functioning implies amateur and a complex type of behaviour.
3. Development is indicative of a clear logical perception by the individual of inter relationships between the past, present and future.
4. Development is directional and sequential
5. It is a progressive series of changes that occur in an orderly predictable pattern as a result of maturation and experience
6. Development is continuous in all areas of mental activity it does not stop with puberty as in the case of growth
7. It enables individual to adapt to the environment which results in improved functioning of the individual
8. Development is a complex process of integrating many structures and functions
9. Development is of many aspects for example physical, emotional and intellectual, social and moral
10. Individual differences are seen in the different aspects of development
11. Rate of development is not uniform throughout the lifespan of the individual
12. Development is influenced by maturation and learning 
13. Development is very much related to one's environment , i.e environment helps an individual to develop many skills 
14. It is based on modelling after parents teachers and other elder members 
15. Development is of qualitative and cannot be measured directly 
16. Development is possible even without growth 

So it clearly implies that 

In the case of normal children, both growth and development go together. 

However, in case of feeble minded children, growth of body may be there but there may not be a development of intellectual powers. 

In case of highly intelligent children, the development of intellect may be higher in comparison to physical development of the child.