Factors

Affecting
Growth and
Development
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 GROWTH
Meaning
Growth means increase in size, height and weight of child. It implies growth of
heart, brain, muscles and body in general. It can be easily observed and
measured. It is generally confined to quantitative changes.

Defintion
Growth is defined as an irreversible constant increase in the size of an an organ
or even an individual cell. Growth is the most fundamental characteristics of
living bodies accompanied by various metabolic processes that take place at the
cost of energy. The processes can be anabolic or catabolic.

1. According to Frank, "Growth refers to the increase in cells, such as increase

in length and weight.

2. According to Watson & Lower, "Growth means an increase in the physical

DEVELOPMENT
Meaning
Development refers to the qualitative changes in the organism as whole. Development is a
continuous process through which physical, emotional and intellectual changes occur. It is a
more wider and comprehensive term than growth. It is also possible without growth.

Definition
The process and phenomena, where an entity, physically grows, physiologically evolves, to
attain mental growth and maturity is collectively referred to as Development. The process
of development of shape and structure of a living organism is known as Morphogenesis.
1.According to Harold Stevenson, Development psychology is concerned with the study
to changes in behavior through the life span

2. According to Libert & Poulos Development refers to a process of change in growth

and capability over time, as function of both maturation and interaction with the
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 Differences between Growth & Development:

Growth Development
Growth refers to the increase in mass and size of a body Development refers to the qualitative changes in form and
functions.
Growth stops at the certain age of the individual. Development process continues till the end of the life.

Growth is a biological phenomenon, concerns with increase in Development is environmental interaction with a person to
size, shape, height and weight. change in form and functions
Growth can be measured and it is in quantitative Development is the qualities but can be observed through the
phenomenon. behavior of the individual

.
Growth is structural Development is considered as functional

Growth points to changes in a specific phase or partial aspect. Development indicates pattern of change in the total
organism.
Growth is an external process Development is an internal process.

Growth is influenced by development Development is not depended upon growth

IMPORTANCE
Development process depends on heredity and
environmental factors. Growth is universally used
by health care professionals and care givers to
judge the physical condition of babies and children:
poor growth in early life has a negative impact on
cognitive development and morbidity. whereas
rapid and excessive growth is associated with a
higher prevalence of obesity and cardiovascular
disease.
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 Factors affecting Growth and
Development
Growth is natural and automatic process but development is planned and deliberate
efforts to bring desirable changes among children. The pattern of human growth and
development is mainly determined by the genetic as well as environmental factors
Growth and development is the result of an inseparable mixture of heredity and
environmental factors. It has been discussed below:
1.HEREDITY FACTORS
The heredity or genetic factors determine the
potential and limitations of growth and
development. Heredity in the form of genes and
chromosomes determine the growth rate of a
child. It is believed that the size and shape of body,
colour of eyes, skin and hair, nervous system etc.
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are deeply influenced by the heredity system.
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2. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

Environment in which an individual is born and

brought up determines the pattern of growth and
development largely. Environment is everything
except his/her genes. These factors give direction
to the genetic potential of growth and
development of an individual. Environmental
factors like climate conditions, nutrition, social,
economic conditions, emotional support,
opportunity of play. Language training etc. affects
development and growth of a child.BEST FOR You
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3. GENDER

The gender of the child is a very common but

important factor affecting the physical growth
and development of a child. The growth
pattern of girls and boys is quite different like
boys tend to be taller and physically stronger
than girls on the other hand girls tend to
mature faster during their adolescence than
the boys.
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4. HORMONES

You must be knowing that hormones belong to

the endocrine system and influence the various
functions of our bodies. Hormones secreted
from different glands that are situated in
specific parts of our body and control many of
our body functions. The proper functioning of
these hormones plays a major role in the
normal physical growth and development of
the children. If these hormone secreting glands
cannot function properly, children may suffer
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from growth defects, obesity. behavioral
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5.NUTRITION

Growth and development is also highly

depended upon nutrition. Proper balanced diet
and nutrition leads to normal growth of a
child. Thus availability of healthy diet like
protein, vitamins, amino acid, zinc, calcium,
etc plays a major role in the development and
growth of a child.

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6.SOCIO- ECONOMIC & CULTURAL
FACTORS:

Economic, social and cultural factors also

highly influence in the growth and
development of an individual. Different socio-
economic & cultural backgrounds lead to
differences in psycho- physical development of
an individual with different rate of growth
maturation and development.

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CONCLUSION
At the end, we can say that development plays
very important role in the development of the
personality of an individual. In order to
establish an ideal society parents, teachers,
psychologists will have to build up competent
and able children who should have the
qualities like truthfulness, co-operation, self-
control, self-dependence, obedience and
discipline in them. With such children, we can
dream of having world society and fraternity.
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THANK
YOU

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