Childhood Development
Child development is discussed in research papers on psychology, sociology and even biology. In regards to psychology, it is important to understand the various stages of childhood development when writing a research paper. Paper Masters can deliniate the stages of childhood development and various psychologists' theories on child development for you in a custom written paper.
The process of childhood development is one that encompasses the physical, mental, and emotional growth that occurs from birth through the end of adolescence. The entire process is one in which a human being moves from total dependency to autonomy. Both medicine and psychiatry have specialized branches devoted to childhood development.
In broad terms, childhood development is roughly divided into several stages:
- Newborn (0-4 weeks)
- Infant (4 weeks to 1 year)
- Toddler (1-3 years)
- Preschooler (4-6 years)
- Elementary (6-13)
- Adolescent (13-18)
Each of these developmental stages has its own unique characteristics and challenges. Various theorists, including Freud and Piaget, developed famous stages of childhood development.
Childhood development is not strictly related to age. Environmental factors play a heavy role in determining how a child develops through adolescence. Genetics will play a role in determining such factors as size, but the human brain during childhood is marked by extreme plasticity that allows for significant development to occur as the result of environment.
Certain milestones, such as walking and talking, also mark childhood development. The accomplishment of certain milestones marks the transition from one stage of development to another. Physical growth proceeds from birth to about the age of twenty, but mental growth, or cognitive development, is largely the result of environment.