Human Growth and Development

Human development can also be viewed through evolutionary adaptations:

●​ Infancy: Crying and reflexes like rooting promote bonding and ensure survival. ●​ Childhood: Longer childhoods in humans allow for brain development and learning complex social and cultural skills.

●​ Adolescence: Risk-taking and social exploration help teens develop independence and prepare for adult roles. Biological Theory The biological perspective focuses on how genetics and the environment interact to shape development, especially during critical growth periods. ●​ Genes: These are the basic units of heredity, made of DNA, which contain instructions for building and maintaining the body. ●​ Nature vs. Nurture: This debate questions whether traits are determined by genetics (nature) or upbringing and environment (nurture). Today, researchers agree that both interact to influence development. For example: ＞ ​ Genes may increase the likelihood of anxiety, but the environment (e.g., parenting style) shapes how it’s expressed. Epigenetics studies how environmental factors like nutrition or stress affect gene activity without changing the DNA itself. For example: ●​ Early trauma can trigger epigenetic changes that increase the risk of depression later in life. ●​ Sociable children may seek out interactions, reinforcing social skills, which then further influence their environment. The interaction of genetics and environment is central to understanding how people grow and adapt. Behavioral Theory John B. Watson introduced behaviorism , arguing that psychology should focus on observable behaviors rather than unobservable thoughts. This approach was expanded by B.F. Skinner and others, who studied how behavior is learned through interactions with the environment.

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