Definition and meaning of growth and development?
Human development is a lifeline process of physical, behavioral, cognitive, and emotional growth and change. These two terms, growth and development are used interchangeably. Both relate to the measurements of changes occurring in an individual after conception in the mother\'s womb. However, in the strict sense of terminology, these two terms have different meanings:
Growth: can be defined as an increase in size, length, height, and weight or change in quantitative aspect of an organism/ individual.
Development: is a series of orderly progress towards maturity. It implies overall qualitative changes resulting in the improved functioning of an individual.
According to Crow and Crow (1965), development is concerned with growth as well as those changes in behavior that result from environmental situations."
1. Growth is one of the parts of the developmental process.
2. Changes take place in particular aspects of the body and behavior.
3. Growth stops once maturity is attained.
4. Changes may be measured in the case of height or weight.
5. Quantitative and observable.
May or may not bring development.
A child may grow in terms of height and weight but this growth may not bring any functional.
Improvement/development.
(Development)
1. Development is a wider term and growth is one of its parts.
2. Change in the organism as a whole.
3. Development is a continuous process from womb to tomb.
4. Can\'t be always measured.
5. They are assessed through sharp observation in behavioral situations.
Development is also possible without growth.
