Overview
This lecture introduces the basics of human and personal development, covering key aspects, influential factors, prominent theories, and the importance of adolescence in the developmental process.
Major Aspects of Human Development
- Human development is studied using multiple disciplines, not just psychology.
- Physical development covers body growth, brain maturation, motor and sensory skills, and physical health.
- Cognitive development refers to learning, reasoning, language, and abstract thinking.
- Psychosocial development includes emotions, social interactions, attitudes, personality, beliefs, and values.
Influential Factors in Human Development
- Heredity means traits passed from biological parents to offspring.
- Environment shapes personality through family, peers, culture, and experiences.
- Maturation is the natural progression of growth in body and brain, leading to increased understanding and maturity.
Understanding Personal and Development
- "Personal" refers to what belongs to, is related to, or is designed for an individual.
- No single scientific discipline fully explains personal development; it requires insights from psychology, biology, sociology, etc.
- Personal development is self-reflection, self-acceptance, and learning to reach one’s fullest potential.
Historical and Theoretical Background
- Early humans showed personal development by sharing experiences and improving over generations.
- Greek philosophers questioned the nature of the self and existence.
- Eastern cultures highlight moral development and the quest to be a “superior man.”
- Psychology, especially humanistic and positive psychology, stresses growth and meaning.
Key Psychological Theories
- Humanistic psychology (e.g. Maslow) emphasizes self-actualization—achieving full potential.
- Positive psychology (e.g. Seligman) focuses on mental health, strengths, and improving quality of life rather than on illness.
- Maslow’s hierarchy of needs: physiological, safety, love/belonging, esteem, and self-actualization.
Stages of Adolescence (Corpus et al., 2010)
- Early adolescence: ages 10–13
- Middle adolescence: ages 14–16
- Late adolescence: ages 17–20
- Adolescence is a crucial period with significant physical, cognitive, and psychosocial changes.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Heredity — Inborn traits passed from parents to offspring.
- Maturation — Natural physical and psychological growth over time.
- Self-actualization — Achieving one’s full potential.
- Positive psychology — Focus on strengths and well-being rather than illness.
- Maslow’s hierarchy of needs — A theory describing human motivation in five stages.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Reflect on which aspects of personal development apply to you.
- Prepare to discuss how heredity, environment, and maturation have influenced your development.
- Read further on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and compare with your own experiences.