Unit 3 , Different Stages of Human Development
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UNIT 3 , DIFFERENT STAGES OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT Contents 3.0 Objectives 3.1 Introtlirction 3.2 Prenatal Dcvelopment 3.3 111Etncy 3.4 Babyhood 3.5 Early Childhood 3.6 Late Cllildhood 3.7 Adolescence 3.8 Adulthood 3.9 Middle Age 3.10 Old Age 3.1 1 Let Us Surn Up 3.12 Key Words 3: 13 Suggested Readings 3.14 Answers to Check Your Progress 3.0 OBJECTIVES This unit aims at enabling you to understand and appreciate the life-long process of personality development. The different stages of human development are outlined so as to familiarize you with each stage and its characteristic mechanism of development. After reading this unit you should be able to: know the different stages of human developme~lt; explain the characteristics of each stage; know the normal development process and differentiate it from abnormal situations; specify the difficulties and hazards in each stage; be familiar with the milestones/developmental tasks at each stage; and be aware of the various sources of happiness at all stages of development. 3.1 INTRODUCTION Human development characteristically passes through different stages. These stages are orderly and sequentially linked with the preceding and succeeding t stages. Features unique to each stage, change from stage to stage. They also Hunlan Growth and vary from person to person thus making us unique in our own way. bor sol, "r Development of us, these factors may move on smooth1y while others may experience ups and downs. These factors and the way they are established in each person mark the foundation of the human personality. Let us familiarize ourselves with some important concepts which are used in analyzing the journey of life. 1) Growth: It refers to the increase in size, number of cells and it is quantitative improvement. It is not based on what the person or organism learns but only on maturation. 2) Maturatiott: It refers to those changes which primarily reveal on unfolding of genetically endowed physical capacities of the organism. Like' a bud opens and blossoi~~sinto a flower, maturation brings out the full potential. It is not dependent on any special training or environment. 3) Developnzent: It can be defined as a progressive series of orderly, coherent changes leading towards the goal of maturity (Hurlock, 1964). It means qualitative changes which are directed towards maturation. Development is considered as a function of or a product of mat~~rationand learning. Development follows an observable pattern which can be predicted. Researchers have identified two principles of development. They are: Ceplralo-caudal prirtciple: This states that development spreads over the body from head to foot. Changes in structure and function can first be observed in the head, then trunk and finally, the legs. Proxi~~zodistalprinciple: According to this principle, development proceeds from near to far, from the midpoint of the body to the extremities. Stages of development Vely broadly the stages of development may be categorized in two main types: A) Prenatal development B) Postnatal development. Prenatal development includes all the changes that take place in the womb of the mother. Therefore it is also called "intra-uterine development" where the uterus is the environment. Postnatal development on the other hand, refers to all the stages that follow after the birth till the very end of life. Check Your Progress I Note : a) Use the space provided for your answers b) Check your answers with those provided at the end of this unit. 1) How do growth, maturation and development differ? Mention any one feature. 2) Explain Cephalo Caudal and Proximo distal laws. Different Stages of Human Development ................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................... 3.2 PRENATAL DEVELOPMENT The development of a person begins much before hislher birth and the stage of development before birth is prenatal development stage. The sperm or spennatozoan from father unites with a cell called egg or ovum in the mother. The sperm enters into the layers of walls surrounding the egg and unites with it. This process is called fertilization or conception. As a result a single cell is produced which is called zygote and this is how life begins - as a single cell which cannot even be seen with eyes takes up the journey of development finally to become a complete person! Don't you think it is wonderfully intricate and a beautiful marvel of creation? Prenatal development covers the period from fertilization to birth. It comprises t three stages: 1) The period of the zygote: from fertilization to end of two weeks. 2) Period of the embryo: 2 weeks to 2 lunar months. ! 3) Period of the fetus: end of 2 months till birth. r i) The period of zygote: It continues to move down the ovarian tube or oviduct to the uterus. For 4-5 days it floats freely in the uterine cavity. Around the lothday after fertilization the zygote digs into the wall of the uterus and attaches itself firmly, a process called implantation. The wall of the uterus envelops it. Rapid mitotic cell division takes place and the single cell zygote after repeated divisions resembles a ball with two layers of cells. ii) Theperiod of the embryo: It extends from 2 weeks to 2 months. During this time the embryo is like a miniature human being. Cell differentiation takes place, that is, from one cell, different types of cells arise. External features such as head, face, hands, fingers, legs can be clearly seen and interior organs such as heart lungs and brain are formed. The embryo turns within the ut'erus and the heart beat can be heard. The first twelve weeks are very crucial because, it is during this period, the important organs are formed. iii) The ihird stage is the period of the fetus: It extends from the beginning of the third month till birth. The body proportions increase as growth ' continues. Activity of the fetus can be felt. All the internal organs are Human Growth and formed and by 5"' month they assume actual proportions. Between 2-4Ih Development month the nervous system develops. On completion of 9 months or 270 days, the fetus is ready for birth. Irtfluertces durirtg Prertatal stage: There are several factors which affect the development during the prenatal stage. These factors are collectively called as teratogens. 1) Materrtal Nutritiort: In order to grow, the fetus needs nutrients which in turn come from the mother. Mother's dietary intake must be balanced. Care must be given to include vitamins and minerals (such as calcium, phosphate, iron) water, proteins, fats and not carbohydrates alone. Vegetables, green leaves, seasonal fruits, pulses and cereals in addition to milk, eggs and meat or fish provide a diet adequate for the baby and the mother. 2) Materrtal age: Between the ages of 21 to 29 years is the ideal age of the mother to have children. Below this bracket the mother is too immature physiologically and psychologically with a high risk of infant death. Beyond 30, risk of incidence of mental retardation and other genetic abnormalities is very high. 3) Rest artd exercise of tlte motlter: These are essential specially during pregnancy. When the mother is tired and over worked the fetal activity increases and beyond limits it can cause still birth or irritability of the child. At the same time mother must have adequate exercise. 4) Rh blood group: Majority of us are Rh+ while some have Rh- blood group. If the mother is Rh- and the fetus is Rh+ then it is an incompatible condition. The mother must be aware of it and at the time of delivery, if precautions are not adequate then complication such as jaundice can occur and may result in infant death. 5) Addictions: If the mother is addicted to alcohol, cigarettes or drugs the waste material is passed onto the fetus. Risk of irritability, low birth weight or prematurity, even still birth or child being born with addictions are vely high. 6) Materrzal diseases: The diseases of the mother can significantly affect the fetus. Specially during the initial critical times during pregnancy. German measles or Rubella can cause deafness, mental retardation or even heart trouble. AIDS, Syphilis or other sexually transmitted diseases can cause miscarriage. 7) Materrtal stress: When the mother has emotional problems, tensions and anxieties, blood supply to the fetus is not adequate, but is diverted. Therefore growth is hindered. This also can result in prematurity, still birth or the child being irritable. Prenatal development comes to an end with the onset of the birth process. Birth can be normal and -spontaneous or assisted. The fetus may suffer difficulties and complication, specially lack of oxygen or anoxia. In case of colnplication assistance is required as in assisted birth such as instrumental birth or caesarian section. In such assisted birth care must be ensured for the health of the new born. Check your 'progress I1 Different Stages of Human Development Note : a) Use the space provided for your answers b) Check your answers with those provided at the end of this unit. 1) Trace the 3 stages of Prenatal