GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

Definition of growth: Growth is the physical

increase in size or quantity, such as height
and weight, over time. While development
is the process of improvement or
advancement in physical, intellectual, and
social skills.
GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENTAL CHANGES IN MAN

Human development is a lifelong process of physical, behavioral,

cognitive and emotional growth and change. In the early stages of life-
from babyhood to childhood, childhood to adolescence, and adolescence
to adulthood-enormous changes take place. Throughout the process,
each person develops attitudes and values that guide choices,
relationships and understanding.

There are four major stages of growth from birth to adulthood

1. Rapid growth in infancy
2. Slow and steady growth in childhood
3. Rapid growth in puberty
4. Gradual and slow growth in adolescence
CHARACTERISTICS FEATURES OF DIFFERENCE DEVELOPMENTAL STAGES
1. INFANCY: At this stage, the individual is marked by small body size, small
organs, delicate structure and no teeth. Capabilities include lying down, sitting,
smiling, kicking, crawling, babbling and playing with toys.
2. CHILDHOOD: This is the stage before puberty. It is characterized by light body
weight, small size, small and organs and presence of teeth (but temporary teeth).
Individuals can stand on two legs, walk and run.
3. PUBERTY: This is transition stage from childhood to adolescence. The stage is
marked by the development of secondary sexual features. In boys, you can observe
growth of the penis, facial hair, underarm hair, pubic hair, mustache and broken
voice. In girls, you can observe breasts and rounded buttocks, menstruation
commence.
4. ADOLESCENCE: This is the stage before adulthood. It is characterized by further
increase in body size, well-formed body parts and organs.
5. ADULTHOOD: This is the stage of full maturity. Individuals here can become
mothers or fathers. Full body size is attained and there may be on increase in
height. The wisdom teeth appears and individuals here are highly skilled.
CLASSIFICATION OF GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENTAL CHANGES
Human growth and developmental changes could be permanent or
temporary.
• Permanent changes remain throughout lifetime and are not
reversible, e.g development of permanent teeth which are 32 in
human beings.
• Temporary changes are the developmental changes that may
naturally disappear with time, e.g temporary teeth called milk teeth.
Milk teeth are twenty (20) in numbers. They develop one after the
other between ages one and four. By the age of 6 years, these milk
teeth fall off and give way for the permanent ones to come up.
Factors Affecting Growth and Development
1. Nutrition: Proper nutrition is essential for healthy growth and development. Lack
of essential nutrients can lead to stunted growth and developmental delays.
2. Genetics: Genetic factors inherited from parents play a significant role in
determining a person's growth and development potential.
3. Environment: The physical and social environment in which a person grows up
can impact their development. This includes access to education, healthcare, and
safe living conditions.
4. Healthcare: Access to healthcare and regular check-ups can prevent or address
health issues that may hinder growth and development.
5. Exercise and Physical Activity: Regular physical activity is important for the
development of strong muscles and bones.
6. Emotional and Social Support: A supportive and nurturing environment can
positively impact emotional and social development.
7. Hormones: Hormones play a role in growth spurts during adolescence and other
stages of life.