Growth and development are two dynamic processes that occur in the course of a human’s life. The two terms are often used interchangeably even though they denote different things. Growth is usually a process that takes place during the first twenty years of one’s life while development is a continuous process that takes place throughout one’s life (Beckett and Taylor, 2010). In trying to explain various aspects of growth and development in human life, psychologists have formulated various theories. Some of these theories have been proven and authenticated by research while some are still undergoing research and have not been fully authenticated.
One theory that is significantly supported by research is Jane Piaget’s theory of Cognitive development. Piaget suggests that children first develop rational constructs via acting on their environment (Beckett and Taylor, 2010). He suggests that children have different patterns of thinking than those of adults. He refers to the rational constructs as cognitive structures and divides the stages of development in children into four distinctive parts that include the sensorimotor stage (age 2), the pre operational stage (2-7) the concrete stage (7-12) and finally the formal operations stage which commences at age 11 or 12. These stages are related to brain growth and development and assumes that the human brain does not become fully developed until early adulthood or late adolescence and this is why children do not normally think as adults (Bronfenbrenner & Morris, 2006).
Skinner’s theory of operant Conditioning is another human growth and development theory that has been empirically proven. This theory is essentially based on the idea that behaviors in humans that receive reinforcement tend to go on or to continue while those that are punished essentially diminish and fizzle out (Beckett and Taylor, 2010). Skinner describes operant conditioning as process that tries to modify human behavior by using either negative or positive reinforcement. Therefore, operant conditioning essentially results in the mental creation of an association between a certain behavior and a certain consequence. This a learning theory related to human growth and development and one of its main strengths is that it can be tested and practically applied (Beckett and Taylor, 2010).
There however other theories that continue to be examined although they do not have any empirical support. One of these theories is Freud’s Psychosexual Development Theory. This theory was formulated by Sigmund Freud in 1905. Freud proposes that the psychological development in child usually takes place through a series of several fixed stages. He refers to these as psychosexual stages because in each of them is a representation of libido fixation or sexual instincts and drives on different body areas (Bronfenbrenner & Morris, 2006). According to Freud, as an individual grows up, certain areas or sections of their physical bodies slowly become crucial sources of pleasure or potential frustration (Bronfenbrenner & Morris, 2006). These areas also referred to as erogenous zones. The five distinctive stages suggested by Freud include the oral stage where the mouth is the main tool of pleasure, the anal stage, where the anus is the main source pleasure through fecal matter elimination, the phallic stage where pleasure is derived from the genitals, the latency stage where sexual urges are repressed and interaction is with same-sex partners and finally the genital stage were puberty strikes in and libido rises one again (Beckett and Taylor, 2010).
Recent years have seen increased research on the role of spirituality in growth and development. The research particular seems to indicate the spirituality is a very important element that increases the outcomes of growth and development (Bronfenbrenner & Morris, 2006). Spirituality has been observed to be a factor in the quality of life. Spirituality gives individuals with a better meaning of life and; consequently; they report a greater wellbeing (Bronfenbrenner & Morris, 2006). Researcher have found that when spirituality is part of one’s life, the individual has better physical, emotional, as well as social development. Spiritual growth is often referenced in the Bible. One of the verses for example that references spiritual growth is “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good” (1 Peter 2:2-3 The English Standard Version Bible). Another sample verse that indicates spiritual growth is “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (James. 1:2-4 The English Standard Version Bible).
References
Beckett, C., & Taylor, H. (2010). Human growth and development. Sage.
Bronfenbrenner, U., & Morris, P. A. (2006). The bioecological model of human development. Handbook of child psychology.
The English Standard Version Bible. 2009. New York: Oxford University Press. Print.
