Which of the principle suggests that different body parts develop at different rates at various stages of development?

The Theory

Gesell’s theory is known as a maturational-developmental theory.  It is the foundation of nearly every other theory of human development after Gesell.  Early in the 20th century, Dr. Gesell observed and documented patterns in the way children develop, showing that all children go through similar and predictable sequences, though each child moves through these sequences at his or her own rate or pace.

This process is comprised of both internal and external factors.  The intrinsic factors include genetics, temperament, personality, learning styles, as well as physical and mental growth.  Simultaneously, development is also influenced by factors such as environment, family background, parenting styles, cultural influences, health conditions, and early experiences with peers and adults.  Gesell was the first theorist to systematically study the stages of development, and the first researcher to demonstrate that a child’s developmental age (or stage of development) may be different from his or her chronological age.

The Cyclical Spiral

Gesell emphasized that growth always progresses in a pattern through predictable stages or sequences.  Sequential development begins within the embryo and continues after birth.  While an individual progresses through these stages at his or her own pace, the sequence remains the same.  According to Gesell, growth can be thought of as a cyclical spiral.  Each cycle of the spiral encompassing the time it takes to move through six stages, or half-year increments.  Notice that the time to complete a cycle of the six stages is quite rapid in early life and slows down with age.  Gesell’s cycles of development are divided into six well-defined stages which are repeated throughout life.  One cycle includes the following stages: Smooth, Break-Up, Sorting Out, Inwardizing, Expansion, and Neurotic “Fitting Together”.  See figure below of the cycles of development.

Which of the principle suggests that different body parts develop at different rates at various stages of development?
 

Gesell’s research established normative trends for four areas of growth and development, namely (1) Motor, (2) Adaptive (Cognitive), (3) Language, and (4) Personal-Social behavior.  Originally published as the Gesell Developmental Schedules in 1925, these developmental schedules, most recently updated in 2010, continue to serve and guide pediatricians and psychologists throughout the world today.

There are principles that characterize the pattern and process of growth and development. These principles or characteristics describe typical development as a predictable and orderly process. That is, we can predict how most children will develop and they will develop at the same rate and at about the same time as other children. Although there are individual differences in children’s personalities, activity levels, and timing of developmental milestones such as ages and stages, the principles and characteristics of development are universal patterns. Some of the major principles of human development are:

Development proceeds from head to tail –This is called the cephalocaudal principle. According to this principle, human development proceeds from head to lower body parts and extremities. The cephalocaudal principle applies to both physical and functional development.

Development proceeds from the center of the body outward – This is the principle of proximodistal development. According to this principle, human development proceeds from the center of the body (the proximal region) to the outer body parts and extremities (distal region).

Development depends on maturation and learning – Human growth and development are influenced by both maturation and learning.

Development proceeds from the simple to complex- Children perform simple tasks before doing complex ones. For example, children learn letters before words.

Development is a continuous process – As a child develops, he or she adds to the skills already acquired and the new skills become the basis for further achievement and mastery of skills. Most children follow a similar pattern. Also, one stage of development lays the foundation for the next stage of development.

Development proceeds from the general to specific – development occurs from large muscle movements to more refined (smaller) muscle movements. For example, in motor development, the infant will be able to grasp an object with the whole hand before using only the thumb and forefinger. There are different individual rates of development. Each child is different and the rates at which individual children develops is different. Although the patterns and sequences for development are usually the same for all children, the rates at which individual children reach developmental stages will be different. For instance, some children walk at ten months while others walk a few months older at eighteen months of age.

Which is the principle of growth and development?

There are three principles of growth and development: the cephalocaudal principle, the proximodistal principle, and the orthogenetic principle. These predictable patterns of growth and development allow us to predict how and when most children will develop certain characteristics.

What are developmental principles?

The principles are: 1. Development is Continuous 2. Development is Gradual 3. Development is Sequential 4. Rate of Development Varies Person to Person 5. Development Proceeds from General to Specific 6. Most Traits are Correlated in Development and Others.

Which of the following principle explains that growth and development is a continuous process that begins with conception and ends with death?

Principle of Continuity: Development follows the principle of continuity which starts with conception and ends with death. It is a never-ending process in life.

What is the Cephalocaudal principle of child development?

The cephalocaudal principle refers to the general pattern of physical and motoric development followed from infancy into toddlerhood and even early childhood whereby development follows a head-to-toe progression.