Question

List and define the four major principles governing growth

Answer 1

Answer : The four major principles governing growth are as follows :

1. CEPHALOCAUDAL PRINCIPLE :

The word Cephalocaudal is derived from Latin and Greek roots which means, "head to tail".  This refers to the sequence and an accelerating development of various dexterity, abilities and skills which begins from top (head) to bottom (toes). In this particular principle, the growth always occur from the top and gradually works its way down in a vertical and descendant direction. Hence, the child first gains the control over head, then the arms and later the legs. Due to such a growth pattern, the child first learns visual ablities which are located in the head and then in end, the child learns the skills involved to acquire the ability to walk which is located at the end of the body.

2. PROXIMODISTAL PRINCIPLE :

The word Proximodistal is derived from a latin roots. This refers to the sequence and a progressive development of the various abilities and skills from the center of the body to the peripheral. In this paticular principle, the growth proceeds from the midline or the center of the body towards the shoulders, elbows, wrists and ends with the fingers. The pattern of the growth is from center outward to the extremelities. In this, spinal cord develops before the other parts of the body. Similarly, arms develop before the hands and hands/feets develop before the fingers and toes. Here, the larger muscles develop before the smaller muscles. In all, this principle usually involves the growth from areas close to the body to the areas which are farthest from body.

3. PRINCIPLE OF HIERARCHIAL INTEGRATION :

The principle of hierarchial integration states that the simple skills develop independently and seperately which are later integrated into more complex skills. In this particular principle the simple skills must be met before the complex skills can be achieved. The example of this principle can be learning how to hold a pencil before learning how to write, this concludes that holding a pencil (simple skill) is necessary to learn how to write (complex skill).

4. PRINCIPLE OF INDEPENDENCE SYSTEM :

The principle of independence system states that different body systems grow at different rates. An example to expalin the principle of independence system can be Height and Weight. Both the factors height and weight are independent, it is not necessary to follow a certain growth pattern here, either of these can take place first. This example shows different rates of growth within the body.