Principles of
Human Development
Introduction
Development is unique
psycho-biological phenomena to every human being in its manifestation but the
process is similar, organize, sequential and logical which is based on certain
inherent patterns. These pattern are called as the ‘Principles of Human
Development’. These principles helps us in predicting the process of
development to a certain degree of accuracy.
The development follows three Universal Biological and
9 General Principles.
Biological Principles:
1. Cephalocaudal
2. Proximodistal,
&
3. Orthogenetic.
General Principles:
1. Principle
of Continuity,
2. Principle
of lack of uniformity in the rate of development,
3. Principle
of individual differences,
4. Principle
of uniformity of pattern,
5. Principle
of proceeding from general from specific responses ,
6. Principle
of integration,
7. Principle
of interrelation,
8. Principle
of interaction, and
9. Principle
of predictability,
1. Cephalocaudal
– It
means ‘head to toe’. Cephalic means ‘Head’ region while Caudal means ‘Tail’
region. The development of area near to main neural region (head) than the area
distant from it. The infants head is proportionately larger than the body due
to which infants while crawling uses the arms earlier than legs. It indicates
that the head develops before the body in the prenatal period (prior to 5
months).
2. Proximodistal
– The
proximo means ‘near’ and distal means ‘far’. The prenatal development from 5
months until birth when the fetus' body grows from the ‘inside’ of the body
‘outwards’. It refers to development that proceeds from the centre of the body
and moves towards the extremities.
3. Orthogenetic
– It
is also known as progressive evolution. The development of all aspects of
functioning (including cognition, perception, etc.) progresses from lack of
differentiation to increasing differentiation, articulation, and hierarchic
integration (Heinz Werner, 1975). The development of simple skills before
complex skills is a type of orthogenetic development.
General Principles:
1. Principle of Continuity – It means
development is continuous through out life cycle. It’s a gradual and incessant
modification in both the domains (Psychological and physiological) of human
being.
2. Principle of Lack of Uniformity in the
Rate of Development – Although it is continuous but the rate of development is
not uniform in cognitive, physical aspects and stages of human beings. For
example in two children the height may increase at varying rate, similar is the
case with emotions.
3. Principle of Individual Differences –
The genetic make up of every human being is unique and exclusive. Hence, the
development is accordingly distinct in all dimensions.
4. Principle
of Uniformity of Pattern – The pattern of development is uniform and universal
in its scope. The development of cognitive abilities, language development,
learning to walk etc. develops in a definite and uniform pattern with distinct
rate and manifestation.
5. Principle
of Proceeding from General from Specific Responses – According to this
principle child learns to respond in general terms than gradually picks up
specific responses. For example while waving the child initially uses full arm
and then learns to wave only palm similar is the case with language where she
address all individuals mummy and papa etc.
6. Principle
of Integration – The development is from specific to whole and from whole to
specific (Kuppuswami, 1963) that means
it is a integrated effort of all parts and organs of the body.
7. Principle
of Interrelation – A famous quote, “Healthy mind resides in healthy body”,
which indicates that the development of one organ is directly or indirectly
related to the development of other organ/s and body parts. The poorly
developed brain can lead to poor emotional and intellectual responses.
8. Principle
of Interaction – The active interaction of internal and external forces results
in comprehensive development. For example “Nature v/s Nurture” example suggests
the significant role of genes and psycho-social environment in development.
9. Principle
of Predictability – As we have discussed that development follows the principle
of uniformity of pattern and continuity which refers to that its sequence can
be predicted. For example ‘Babinski’ is a reflex found in newborn babies that disappears
at the age to 8 to 12 months etc.
References:
(i) NCERT, XI Psychology
Text Book.
(ii) Mangal, S. K. (2017). Advanced
Educational Psychology, 2nd ed. Delhi: PHI Learning.
(iii)
http://www.psychologydiscussion.net/educational-psychology/principles-of-human-growth-and-development/1813
(iv) https://study.com/academy/lesson/principles-of-growth-and-development.html.
(v)
http://www.shareyouressays.com/knowledge/12-main-principles-of-growth-and-development-of-children/116600.
(vi)
https://dictionary.apa.org/orthogenetic-principle
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