Human Growth and Development

Additional Concepts ●​ Predictable vs. Unpredictable Life Changes:

＞ ​ Predictable events (starting school, puberty) and unexpected events (divorce, economic downturns) shape development differently. ＞ ​ Example: A child who moves frequently may struggle to form lasting friendships. ●​ Differential Susceptibility: ＞ ​ Some children are more sensitive to environmental influences due to genetic differences. ＞ ​ Example: A child with a high-stress response may struggle more in a negative home environment than a child with greater emotional resilience. Ecological Niche Theory

Ecological Niche Theory explains how an individual’s traits interact with their environment to shape development. This theory suggests that development is optimized when characteristics and environment are well-matched , while a mismatch can create challenges. Key Principles

1.​ Adaptation to the Environment: ●​ Individuals develop traits that help them survive and thrive in their specific environment. ●​ Example: In social environments where cooperation is essential, natural selection may favor early development of communication and empathy skills . 2.​ Environmental Fit: ●​ Supportive environments that align with an individual’s abilities and needs encourage healthy development. ●​ Mismatched environments can create difficulties and hinder progress . ●​ Example: A highly creative child in a rigid, rule-based school system may struggle to succeed. 3.​ Natural Selection and Development: ●​ Traits that help individuals survive and reproduce are passed on to future generations. ●​ Over time, environmental conditions shape developmental patterns in a population.

© 2025 ACHIEVE ULTIMATE CREDIT-BY-EXAM GUIDE | HUMAN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT