Human Growth and Development in Different Life Stages

Zipporah Tarus

Diaconia University of Applied Sciences

Helsinki

BNP04VS24HKI

Human Growth and Development

07.11.2024
 Human Growth and Development Across Life Stages

1. Introduction

Human development: Human development is the continuous and cumulative process of

change in that content and organization, including physical, cognitive, socio-emotional and

ethical/moral aspects till the end of life. This essay discusses human beings' growth process

under four main developmental stages: infancy, childhood, adolescence, and late Adulthood.

Moreover, all the phases are preconditioned by the interactions of genetics, family environment,

culture and values, education, and societal norms. These factors define not only the model of

development but also the problems themselves and how people can go through them

(Bronfenbrenner, 1979).

When completing this assignment, I used several scholarly sources – Jason and

Glenwick's Handbook of Methodological Approaches to Community-Based Research, published

in 2016 and readings on human development theories, including Erikson's stages of psychosocial

development and cognitive development by Piaget. I also incorporated personal voices using

major developmental events, critical incidents, and lessons learnt personally. For example, the

identification of childhood experiences, such as perceived family interactions as inputs into the

framework and effects of family values on the indicated moral development enhance this

evaluation Santrock (2021). Since this is an essay on personal growth and development, it is

essential to distinguish between general patterns and idiosyncrasies of the growth process by

discussing the events and theoretical concepts. It also shows that the environment and the people

around an individual play a big role in one's hardness, flexibility and general health throughout a

lifespan.
 2. Infancy and Childhood: Laying the Foundation

Infancy (0–2 Years)

Physical Development

The developmental milestones for gross motor skills this is common during infancy, for

instance, crawling, standing and walking. Automatic reflexes such as grasp, rooting and Moro

reflect the nervous system's activity in infants, Ainsworth et al. (2015). That is why the examples

of stories about my development given by my family emphasize the importance of caregivers in

guaranteeing safety and providing child development. For instance, when I switched from

crawling to walking, family members were always there to encourage me with their hands on my

back. A study reveals that breastfeeding also has physical well-being aftereffects when a baby is

in infancy, enhancing his or her resistance to diseases and bodily growth (Jason & Glenwick,

2016).

Cognitive Development

Cognitive development during infancy is concurrent to Piaget's sensorimotor stage, which

involves using the senses and motor skills to learn. Infants' interaction with their environment, as

illustrated by my parents, is when I was fascinated with brightly coloured and noisy toys

(Bornstein et al., 2010). Further, pointing at objects and finding out what my parents said became

useful in language development.

Socio-Emotional Development

Erikson's psycho-developmental theory fits infants in the trust versus mistrust stage,

where a child can trust if cared for. The point that the case of my crying every night and calling

out for my mother makes is that a caregiving response is vital. They specifically say that secure
attachments help to develop a strong immunity to emotions and trust in interpersonal

relationships (Sroufe, 2005).

Ethical and Moral Development

Ethical reasoning is not very much needed in infancy, but the interactions that take place

in infancy form the foundation for empathy. There is a new digital emotional mirroring from the

infant when they either smile back at the caregivers or respond with equal emotion as the

caregiver. Such basics of moral development lay the base on which further development takes

place in the subsequent stages.

Childhood (3–12 Years)

Physical Development

However, as children grow older, the growth process slows down and becomes much

more complex than it used to be. My capability to engage in school games like running and

swimming tests, social interaction, and strength. It was overtiming that nutrition developed by

passing from one generation to their family norms (Baumrind, 1966). For instance, my parents

fixed my meals to promote a balanced diet, which made me grow physically strong.

Cognitive Development

Children develop symbolic thinking, language, and informal operational thinking in the

preoperational and early concrete operational stages. (Berger, 2003), The role of education is

evidenced from my kindergarten and early days in primary school. Acquiring the ability to read,

solve puzzles, and act as a storyteller offered a good basis for cognition (Piaget, 1952).

Secondary caregivers playing the role of the teachers fostered curiosity through the creative

activities they provided.

The initiative vs. guilt and industry vs. inferiority stages from Erik Erikson's

psychoanalytic theory stress the importance of encouragement. However, friendships learned in

school or with peers helped me be cooperative, solve conflicts, and embrace others' feelings. By

joining these plays, I gained the confidence I missed out on in school performances or other

group tasks.

Ethical and Moral Development

According to Kohlberg's pre-conventional stage, children's moral reasoning depends on

the sanctions connected with the action. The application of the notion of moral understanding is

supported by experience when young people are scolded for lying about homework. I also

understood right and wrong from cultural norms and advice from family members during my

early years.

3. Adolescence and Late Adulthood: Navigating Identity and Reflection

Adolescence (13–18 Years)

Physical Development

Puberty brings new stimuli in the form of hormones, growth, and features that mark the

difference between males and females. At some point, I had difficulties accepting myself as a

teenager and used images from the media as references. These aspects were easily managed

through physical activities like a volleyball team to boost body shape and morale (Kohlberg,

1987).
Cognitive Development

According to Piaget's cognitive development theory, the transition to the last stage is the

stage of adolescence based on hypothetical-deductive reasoning. This is thanks to high school

debates and accomplishing problem-solving tasks as an effective tool to enhance these skills

(Santrock, 2021). Another key element before developing a sense of creativity was the teachers'

receptive attitude, which challenged me.

Socio-Emotional Development

Erikson identifies the exploration of a person's values and who they are as the identity vs.

role confusion stage. I was able to learn leadership and confidence by joining a drama club and

making the right decision. I spent a lot of time searching for friendship and support during this

stage so that I could be both independent and feel like I belonged.

Ethical and Moral Development

According to Kohlberg's moral development theory, the paedophilic trend leads

adolescents to the conventional level. Helping in clean-up drives within the community, hence

pitching from my parents, helped me develop the virtue of responsibility (Santrock, 2021).

Adolescents develop moral standards based on ethical scenarios, such as whether or not to follow

the crowd.

Late Adulthood (65+ Years)

Physical Development

Physical growth declines during late Adulthood, resulting in poor movement and sensory

impairment. In the case of my grandparents, it was very clear how prophylactic health checks

and moderate exercise assisted them in remaining more independent. Family care and medical

intervention are important at this stage of human life.

Neural changes like memory are some of the most apparent changes that occur during

late adulthood, they can be lessened through the engagement of the mind. For example, the way

my grandmother likes to solve crossword puzzles is the best indication that she requires her brain

to be engaged. Research also proves that engagement in education at any age might reduce

cognitive impairment (Jason & Glenwick, 2016).

Socio-Emotional Development

According to Erikson, integrity vs. despair reflects on one’s accomplishments. How

people remember happy moments during family occasions described by my grandparents

demonstrates how retracing happy moments is rewarding. Older people need someone to listen to

them, walk with them, or advise them when they have issues with their emotional consolation or

whenever they are troubled or feel lonely (Santrock, 2021).

Ethical and Moral Development

Ethical ideas further develop in late adulthood, which can be concerned with leaving a

positive impact and benefiting others. So, for my grandfather's generation, the need to mentor the

younger generation also points out the wish to be a positive force in the future (Berger (2003).

This stage often marks a return to a state of reflection to justify previous decisions and recommit

to one's values as these come out as wisdom to others.

4. Discussion

Positively, the analysis of the growth and development of human beings in the different

periods of life has been an enriching experience. I was able to review different theoretical

structures for development and look at people such as Erik Erikson, Jean Piaget, and Lawrence

Kohlberg, as well as use what I know and see in real life to link to it (Berger, 2003). Cultural
socialization, or the process of socialization, as influenced by life development stages, is a

feature of each of the four development stages: infant, childhood, adolescence and lastly, late

Adulthood, Each stage has its challenges and opportunities for identity, relational and moral

development.

Through this process, I realized the value of care environments for physical, cognitive,

and socio-emotional development. For instance, source attributions, including support from

caregivers in infancy and education in childhood, demonstrate how different systems affect this

capability (Bronfenbrenner, 1979). Likewise, adolescence is characterized by role-taking and

identity versus role confusion, while in late AdulAdulthoodere are options for ego integrity

versus despair. Family and cultural factors emerged as important, influential forces, as did

culture when the competing needs of families affected growth at all stages.

Conclusion

Psychological growth is a complex process influenced by the joint effect of biological,

contextual and cultural factors regarding the different developmental phases of human beings

across the lifespan. Identity, relationships, and moral values are constructed from the infant's

fast-paced gross and fine motor development to that of a thoughtful senior citizen. Hence, the

contribution of this essay has been to show how early caregivers and family can shape

developmental processes in children. It also emphasized how education, peer relations, and

cultural practice affect cognition growth and ethical understanding during adolescence and later

years.

Analyzing my life story, I have identified the barriers that have had the most significant

impact on the formation of my personality: failure, further acquisition of knowledge, and the

ability to find a new perspective. The theoretical perspectives originating from Erikson, Piaget,
and Kohlberg are helpful as they contribute towards gaining more analytic knowledge of socio-

ethical development and key factors that inspire transformation and development in man

throughout life phases. This reflection made me understand the importance of creating a healthy

working environment or early childhood learning setting that encourages growth, acceptance,

and understanding. Lastly, people's development is the greatest evidence of survival and people's

richness as individuals and as a civilization. Thus, by addressing the discovered developmental

patterns and the factors that revolve around them, one can design prospects for a person's

successful development throughout the different life stages.

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infancy,
 file:///C:/Users/user/Downloads/Human_Growth_and_Development_Across_the_Lifespa

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Human Growth and Development PDF (2024). Provided instructional material. Part 3, early

childhood

file:///C:/Users/user/Downloads/Human_Growth_and_Development_Across_the_Lifespa

n_A..._----_(Part_3_Early_Childhood).pdf

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