12 Part 1 Foundations of Human Development
Physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional development occur together. They are
interdependent of one another. In other words, they are mutually dependent and
supporting. Development in one area coincides with development in another area.
For example, a young child who is behind in physical coordination is often behind in
cognitive and socio-emotional development. If the same child is helped with physi-
cal coordination, cognitive and socio-emotional development are often enhanced.
One theorist who recognizes interrelated physical, cognitive, and socio-
emotional development is Abraham Maslow. Maslow’s Theory of Human Needs
arranges the types of needs in five levels, 1-7. The base level includes physi-
cal needs to survive such as air, water, food, clothing, and shelter. The second
through fourth levels include psychological needs such as security, love and
acceptance, and esteem. The final level, self-actualization, is to fully realize one’s
own potential. This is a lifelong process. According to Maslow, a person cannot
meet these higher-level needs until first meeting the basic needs.
Human Development Varies Among Individuals
Although development is orderly and predictable, the outcomes and rate of
development vary by individual. Many different factors cause these differences.
First, genetics and heredity (traits people are born with) are different for everyone.
Next, a person’s experiences and environment (all of a person’s surroundings and
the people in them) are not exactly the same. This is true even for brothers and
sisters raised together. Because both heredity and environments influence develop-
ment and no one is exactly alike, you can expect individual variations in develop-
mental characteristics. There are differences in the ages when people experience
events that will influence their development. The bottom line is that everyone
grows and changes at a different rate and on a different time schedule.
Maslow’s Theory of Human Needs
Self-Actualization
All needs have been
fulfilled to some degree
Esteem
Need to be liked and respected
Love and Acceptance
Need for support, assurance, praise, acceptance
Security
Need to feel safe in surroundings
Physical Needs
Need for air, water, food, clothing, shelter
Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
1-7
Maslow’s theory includes physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional needs.