factors affecting growth and development

Most people consider growth and development to be the same. But there are different definitions of growth and development in psychology. The area of growth is small but the area of development is very vast. So, developmental psychologists have defined many developmental theories to understand development.

They are Jean Piaget’s cognitive development theory, Lev Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory, Erikson’s psychosocial theory. There are many internal and external factors affecting growth and development. The main factors affecting growth and development

Maternal factors and teratogens also have a vast impact on growth and development. As a child’s growth and development progresses, different factors affect his overall development. They are:-

• Heredity factors     These factors are biologically determined. Genes lead to physical characteristics such as weight, height, hair color, eye color, and Intelligence level. Many diseases such as diabetes and obesity may also be passed through genes. In conclusion, all these diseases affect growth and development.
• Intelligence factors      It means to take the right decision in different-different situations. Your ability and capacity affect your development. An intelligent person controls his emotions and learns to adjust according to conditions in society. Low-intelligent children are not able to control their emotions. So, their growth and development are at low levels.
• Social factors      The overall development of the child is possible only by staying in society. Consequently, man is like an animal without society.
• Emotional Factors     The person who is not able to control negative emotions (fear, anger, jealousy) becomes suffering from a mental disorder.
• Environmental Factors   Environment has positive and negative effects on the growth and development of the child. Therefore, a balanced diet, good living, and the best working conditions lead to positive development.

Other factors

• Nutrients    In the prenatal period, the mother needs high nutrition. Because the child receives food only through the mother’s embryo. A child who is studying also needs high nutrients. in short, nutrition is much needed for pregnant women.
• Parents’ education   In the developmental process, it is essential for parents to be educated. Because illiterate parents cannot guide their children. And without guidance, it is impossible for the child to have full development. in brief, children of educated parents also become educated.
• Peer group     There is a saying like a group, so is a dialect. Your nature becomes the way you live in a group. Therefore, the effect of peer groups on the development of children.
• Parent’s relationship     If there is a rift in the parents’ relationship then it has a negative effect on the development of the children. Because children imitate their parents.
• Exercise and health   As there is a saying healthy body. And regular exercise keeps blood circulation going in the body which is beneficial for your health. In brief, health is wealth.
• Lack of opportunity     In the absence of opportunity, the development of the child is not possible.
• Infectious diseases      The growth and development of the child slow down due to infectious diseases. They are Malaria, Covid-19, AIDS, and Chickenpox.
• Home environment  The environmental factors affect human beings. The home environment is a part of development. If the home environment is positive. So the child will be a very positive development.
•  School environment The children spend most of their time at school. They keep observing teachers. And then try to behave like a teacher.
• Mass Media and social media  In modern times, students also use social media. And students mostly use mobile. Mobile is affecting them badly.
• Geographical influences 
• Risk-taking behavior
• Mental health

Difference between Growth and Development

Need and Importance of Educational Psychology