Factors Influencing Development
Development is shaped by a complex interplay between heredity and environment. Heredity refers to the genetic traits inherited from parents, which set certain limits on an individual's physical and psychological traits. However, the expression of these traits is greatly influenced by the environment in which an individual grows up. This can include family dynamics, cultural context, socio-economic factors, and peer relationships.
Key terms such as genotype (the genetic makeup) and phenotype (the observable characteristics) imply that not all inherited traits are fully expressed or identifiable. For instance, a child may inherit genes that predispose them to be tall, but environmental aspects like nutrition and health play an essential role in their eventual height.
Furthermore, various ecological models highlight how the immediate context, known as the microsystem (e.g., family, school), and broader contexts (e.g., cultural values, economic conditions) affect individual development. According to Urie Bronfenbrenner’s model, an individual develops in relation to multiple layers of environmental influences, which interact dynamically throughout life.
Understanding how these factors work together can provide insight into the diverse trajectories individuals follow during their development.