BIOLOGICAL INFLUENCES ON HUMAN GROWTH AND BEHAVIORS AND ISSUES

IN HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
Human development is a result of the interaction of biological, cognitive, socio-emotional
and ecological processes. Genetic factors are the basic framework of the biological processes of
development. For example, developments of brain, heart, lungs, nervous system etc. depend
largely on the hereditary characteristics of the individual. Similarly, changes in the height,
weight, sex characteristics are parts of the biological processes of development. Each and every
individual tries to keep himself/herself both physically and mentally healthy.
There are differences among individuals due to the biological basis of self-preservation. For
example, a child who is physically stronger can overcome various problems that come across in
the growing up than the less physically strong child. Similarly, the child who is emotionally
stronger and stable can face various problems in life than the other child. Thus, physical as well
as emotional strength relates to genetic factors. Due to the genetic factor some children have the
desire to live longer while other children have the death wish is stronger. The biological
influences are also observed in the needs of the children. For example, a child needs food when
he is hungry, he requires water when he is thirsty and so on. These needs are associated with
preservation of one’s life. But how these needs are fulfilled depends upon socio-cultural
influences.
The biology of a person is interlinked with his behaviors. Thus, both body and mind are
interdependent. Physical damage can result in mental problems and mental problems may affect
physical well-being. As human being lives in a society, with his biological endowments he
interacts with different stimuli of the environment. Social traditions, culture, beliefs, nationality
and others influence human behavior. Both culture and behavior of the individual are
inseparable. Thus, human development and behaviors are combination of biological, social and
psychological influences. For example, a child has talent in mathematics by birth due to
hereditary factor but if the environment does support to develop his talent, the innate ability may
not develop properly.

Characteristics of Biological Influences on Human Growth and Behaviors

The human growth and behaviors can be understood from the characteristics mentioned below:

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 1. Behaviors are Reproduced in Successive Generations: Behaviors in species are handed
over from generation to generation. In other words, the particular behavior continues over
several generations. For example, goats live to move in flock.
2. Change in Biological Process determines Change in Behaviors: The changes in human
growth and behaviors are determined by changes in biological processes. If there is a
change in biological structure or process that leads to changes in human growth and
behaviors also. For example, if there is damage in a particular area of the brain of a
person, the behaviors of that person may change as he may express more aggressiveness
or emotionality. Similarly, the intake of certain drugs may change the brain chemistry
which have produced behavioral changes of human beings.
3. Behaviors run in families/ Behaviors are transmitted in families: It has been observed in
families that if a person in the family has mental disorder, other members of the same
family may have same problem to some extent because they carry some similar genes
which are transmitted over generations.
4. Genes are Evolutionary: Behavioral changes occur through evolutions of genes. The
genes of chimpanzees and human beings are almost similar. So, chimpanzees are closest
to human beings and their characteristics and behaviors are more or less similar to
humans which can be traced on the basis of history of evolution of genes.

ISSUES IN HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

Developmental theories differ from each other on three basic issues. They are: (i) the relative
importance of heredity and environment, (ii) the active or passive character of development
(continuous process), and (iii) the existence of stages of development.
1. Heredity vs. Environment Human development can be explained in terms of both
heredity and environment. There is a debate among theorists that heredity is important in
the development of human beings or environment influences development. It has been
observed that some children are introvert while others are extrovert. The argument is that
these characteristics are hereditary or environmentally determined. John Locke, a
philosopher remarked that the child’s mind is just like a blank state and things are written
in interaction with environment and experiences. John Watson was a behaviourist who
argued that it is the environment that influences development of human beings. He said,

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 “If I get some children, I can make them what I want to make”. J. J. Rousseau and Gesell
were of the view that heredity influences development of individuals. It is revealed from
the research studies that both heredity and environment influence human development. In
Indian settings, it may be observed that children who are reared up in enriched
environment behave differently than to their peer groups who raised in impoverished
environment.
2. The Active or Passive character of development. There is a question that whether people
are active in their own development or they are more passively shaped by external forces.
Some theorists believe that human beings always try to discover and shape their own
environment for their development. For example, children are curious creatures and they
actively construct their environment during their role playing games. Some other
psychologists emphasize that developments of human beings are controlled by outside
environment. For example, teachers and parents are blamed for not providing good
environment… … if a child does not perform well in his study.
3. Stages of Development: This issue relates to the importance of various stages of
development. Development is a continuous process. Early experience of the child is more
important than later experience, Therefore, if the proper experiences are not provided to
the child at the right time, development process may get affected. Developmental
psychologists have observed that there are critical periods of development. The impact of
appropriate stimulation during that period is optimal in specific kinds of behaviour than
prior or later to that period. Several studies have been conducted on animals ( K.
Lawrenz, 1937; Harry Harlow, 1978) and later on human beings to see whether there are
critical periods on human development. It has been observed that first six months are
critical period for health, emotional and social development of the child. Although some
other research studies reveal the adverse experiences in early childhood can be mitigated
(amended) to a certain extent in the later stage of life.