Understanding Growth, Development, and Maturation Process

Introduction Growth Development & Maturation Prepared by Dr. Kareem J. Dhaidan Kareem AL-Khafajy

The process of growth and development starts before the baby born i.e. from the conception in the mother s womb. The changes in size (weight, height) that we call growth, while the changes in function and behavior that we call development. Kareem AL-Khafajy

DEFINITIONS OF TERMS GROWTH It is the process of physical maturation resulting an increase in size of the body and various organs. It occurs by multiplication of cells and an increase in in intracellular substance. It is quantitative changes of the body Growth: generally takes place during the first 20 years of life, Growth can be measured accurately in inches, centimeters, pounds or kilograms.

Development It is the process of functional and physiological maturation of the individual. It is progressive increase in skill and capacity to function. Development can be measured but its measurements are not so accurate as growth since it is measured through observation.

Maturation Maturation is the process of development that occurs as we grow and change. There are many types of maturation including physical and cognitive. Physical maturation occurs when our body grows and changes as we get older (peak growth). Cognitive maturation is the process of development in the way we think as we grow (peak development). Kareem AL-Khafajy

Principles of growth and development: 1.Growth and development are continuous processes. 2.Each child has own rate of growth and development. 3.Both growth and development are synchronous. 4.All areas of growth and development are interrelated (physical, psychosocial, cognitive and motor). Kareem AL-Khafajy

5. Growth and development progress from midline towards periphery. 6.Growth and development occur in an orderly sequence. 7 . General to specific: at the beginning all faces and sounds appear same to him/her, then stars to distinguish mother s face and sound. Kareem AL-Khafajy

Factors that Influence Growth and Development 1-Genetics Abnormal genes from ancestors may produce different familial disease which usually hinders the growth and development , e.g. Hemophilia, thalassemia etc. the process of growth and development also affected in children with chromosomal abnormalities e.g. in Down s syndrome

2-Environment Environmental factors such as: Mother's nutritional status, Exposure to infectious diseases and pathological conditions Socioeconomic conditions of the family affect the health of the embryo, infant, and child.

3-Hormones: Hormones like Thyroxin and Insulin influence the fetal growth .Thyroxin deficiency retards the skeletal maturation of fetus. Excess Insulin stimulate fetal growth leading to large size fetus with excessive birth weight due to microsomal. 4-Nutritional factors: Growth of the baby depends on adequate consumption and proper utilization of suitable types of food. Specific deficiencies cause alterations in growth and development. Kareem AL-Khafajy

5- Activities: Normal growth and development depend on normal activities. A bedridden child would not grow as much as an active one. 6- illness and injuries: During birth, may cause a permanent damage to vital organs. Kareem AL-Khafajy

Pattern of growth and development A. Cephalocaudal: Growth proceed from head to toe. B. Proximodistal: Growth proceed from center of the body to the periphery. C. General to specific: Development proceed from simple to complex function and activities. Kareem AL-Khafajy

Stages of Growth & Development Kareem AL-Khafajy

Kareem AL-Khafajy

Stages of growth and development can be as:- 1. Prenatal period/intrauterine life 2. Postnatal period/ extra uterine life 1.PRENATAL PERIOD = Ovum:- 0 to 14 days after conception = Embryo:- 14 days to 8 weeks = Fetus:- 8 weeks to birth

Stages of growth and development can be as:- 2.POSTNATAL PERIOD - Neonate:- from birth to 4 weeks - Infancy:- first year of life - Toddler:- 1 3 years - Preschool child (Early childhood):- 3 6 years - School age child (Middle childhood ):- 6-12 years

Stages of growth and development can be as:- Adolescent-From puberty to adulthood 1.Early adolescent/prepubescent/late childhood 10 12 years (Girls) 12 14 years (Boys) 2.Middle adolescent/pubescent 12 14 years (Girls) 14 16 years (Boys) 3.Late adolescent/post pubescent 14 18 years (Girls) 16 20 years (Boys)

Early adulthood 19-40 Physical: Usually the most productive life stage. Physical development is complete. This is the prime time for childbearing. Mental: formal education continues, young adults may choose to marry and start families. Emotional: may experience stress related to careers, marriage and family.

Early adulthood 19-40 Social: development frequently involves moving away from peers to association with coworkers and mates. Young adults do not necessarily accept traditional sex roles and adopt nontraditional roles. For example, males may become nurses or secretaries, females may take administrative or construction positions.

Middle adulthood 40-65 Physical: changes begin to occur. Hair begins to gray and thin, skin begins to wrinkle, hearing loss starts, vision declines, and weight gain occurs. Mental: mental ability can continue to increase. This is a period when individuals understand life and have learned to cope with many of its stresses. Emotional: can be a period of contentment or crisis. Emotional status varies depending on life changes revolving around children growing up and leaving home, job satisfaction, financial success and good health.

Late adulthood 65 years and older Physical Changes Decline muscle/senses Health problems Dementia/Alzheimer s Cognitive Changes /Memory Social Changes /Retirement Widowhood Social Isolation Erikson Integrity v Despair.