Monday, July 7, 2014

THEORIES OF CHILD DEVELOPMENT & NATURE VS NURTURE DEBATE

    


     According to (Bukatko, 2008, p. 17), “a number of theories influence our understanding of development today.” One of five cognitive processes or “prime determinants” within several child development theories is nature versus nurture. Therefore, the following literature offers a brief review of this highly controversial debate, by addressing these three questions:
1. How do you define the influences from nature?
2. What are some examples from our environment (nurture) that influence development?
3. How do you explain how both nature and nurture influence how people develop?
How do you define the influences from "nature"?
     I would define this influential process as “periods when natural factors and/or experiences can initiate and/or determine an infant’s development. One example of this might be:
1. Maturation – Piaget’s Theory states that this is when development of genetic programs occur.
What are some examples from our environment (nurture) that influence development?
    There are also several environmental factors and/or experiences which can encourage and positively develop normal infant growth. Two examples of these are:
1. The child’s tendency to act will be based on physical, mental and environmental experiences.
2. Knowledge Construction is formed by revision and reorganization of intellectual structures.
How do you explain how both nature and nurture influence how people develop?
     According to (Unit 3 Key Concepts 2, p. 1), “the development of the brain and nervous system involves a pattern of synaptic growth followed by the pruning of redundant neural pathways. Limited exposure to experience during certain sensitive periods of time can delay or prevent the development of certain skills.” This means that normal brain development can only occur if positive natural and nurturing experiences occur during an infant’s sensitive growth periods.
If an infant lacks these natural and nurturing experiences then his or her psychological and/or physical growth may not flourish and further complications can occur. One specific complication can be a delay or absence of cognition, language, physical and social developmental skills and/or growth. When this occurs, the child may also struggle into adulthood trying to combat these undeveloped normal psychological and/or physical needs.

References:
Bukatko, D. (2008) Child and adolescent development, a chronological approach. Ohio; Cengage Learning.
Kaplan University. (2010). Child and Adolescent Psychology: Unit 3/Theories of Child Development: Key Concepts 2. Retrieved on January 9, 2010 at http://kucourses.com 
     





3 comments:

  1. Impressive! A wide discussion is going around the world whether it’s nature or nurture that is responsible for the success of the child. I completely feel that a striking balance between nurture and nature both is important. Like your child is gifted with a logical mind and if you don’t nurture him in the right way during your child upbringing, then sooner or later it will become of no value. In the same way, Mark had a logical mind, persistence and a love for technology but the reason for its success completely goes to Edward - his father upbringing, who nurtured his abilities and helped him to give his best in everything he does.

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  2. The GOOD PUPPY Children's Behavioral & Emotional System provides parents, teachers & therapists, the tools they need to build a healthy structure that helps children thrive. The system is recommended for children, ages 3 to 9." Child Reward Chart. Child Behavior Therapy

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  3. Hi there! What's the photo credit on this image? Thanks!

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