Question- Trace the Order Development.

Answer-

Order of Development

The study of development psychology shows that there are special characteristics for every stage. These may be described briefly :

1. Infancy : Infancy is the smallest span in the life of a person. It is barely for two weeks. In these two weeks the infant tries to make adjustment with physical environment. This adjustment consists of getting used to the outside temperature and learning to suck and swallow. Sucking is inborn but the child learns to suck the teats or nipples. At times there are difficulties in such adjustment, mother’s help is needed by the infant.

2. Babyhood : The stage of babyhood is a critical period. It is also dangerous. The baby is prey to so many foreign microbes which can cause diseases for which it may have little resistance. These diseases often prove fatal. However, no improved medical facilities have reduced the danger quite a bit. This is of course a period requiring maximum care and protection.

3. Early Childhood : The period of babyhood is an age of helplessness but in early childhood there is a certain amount of independence. A child wants to do all the work by himself. Now no only home but the school also contributes to his development. A child tries to discover many things. A many opportunities he gets for learning better would he be. He should be encouraged to learn various skills. There is also development of speech at this age. The development of speech and language is the foundation of mental development. There is emotional development also at this stage. The socialization also begins now. Play has an important role at this age. The child also shows interest in his body. He makes a distinction between male and female. The presence of other siblings and the serial order of his birth also affect development.

4. Late Childhood : The child is now a boy. He now grows tall and his sex organ is developed. Now the child develops self-reliance and the environment of school and playground affect him. There is development of language and also mental development. In mental development, home and school both contribute. In emotional development, home plays the crucial role. The boy like many games and also develops many interests.

5. Adolescence : The adolescence is best known for sexual development. The sex organs develop remarkably and there is as if onslaught of sexual impulse. The adolescence is split up for psychological studies in two parts - Early adolescence and late adolescence.

(i) Early Adolescence : Adolescence literally means rapidity in maturation. Thus, adolescence is a stepping stone to adulthood. This is a crucial period marked by quick changes in physical and emotional development. There are so many problems to be faced at this stage. It is a stage of twilight. The young man feels himself at cross-road with no body to guide him. There is a welling of feeling which he cannot easily express.

(ii) Late Adolescence : In late adolescence, things settle down and there is relative stability. The technique of attacking problems is now perfected.

6. Early Adulthood : Adult means fully grown and mature. This is an age when the power of reproduction is fully developed. At this stage the individual enters upon life and creates place for himself in the world. There are, of course, other problems at this stage.

7. Middle Age : Middle age is between 40 and 60. At this stage, the problems of individual and social adjustments predominate. There are great changes and they require adjustments. This is an age of achievement as well as frustration. It is here that man works hardest and tries to ensure a smooth transition to old age. At this age the profession and family irresponsibilities also become enormous. At this stage, there is marked difference in the role of men and women.

8. Old Age : This is the ultimate stage in man’s development. Here the development comes to a halt. In fact, this is a period of decline and degeneration. Generally in old age people feel useless. They can do little constructive work. However, the problems of old age are not insurmountable and the old age need not be dreaded. The modern psychological researches have revealed that there are vast individual differences among the old regarding their outlook - physical and mental characteristics. The interest in sex generally becomes less and the interest in religion increases. In India MOKSHA is considered an ideal of life and the old age is a stepping stone. By adopting realistic outlook, man can solve most of his problems. The best preparation for old age is made early in life. If old age is faced gracefully, it can be a period of great spiritual development.

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