Which principle states that growth follows a pattern that begins with the head and upper body parts?

Which of the following principle suggests that growth follows a pattern that begins with the head and upper body parts and then proceeds to the rest of the body?

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CTET Paper 2 Social Science 7th Jan 2022 (English-Hindi)

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1. The cephalocaudal principle
2. The proximodistal principle
3. The principle of hierarchial integration
4. The principle of independence of systems

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 1 : The cephalocaudal principle

Development describes the growth of humans throughout their lifespan, from conception to death. It refers to development as patterns of change over time. It does not just involve the biological and physical aspects of growth, but also the cognitive and social aspects associated with the development

• The development follows a definite and predictable pattern: It follows a definite and predictable pattern. There are orderly patterns of physical, motor, intellectual and speech development. Development is governed by certain laws: Cephalocaudal Law and Proximodistal Law.
• ​Cephalocaudal: Development of the upper portions of the body precedes the development of the lower portions. The Cephalocaudal tendency exhibits that the development proceeds in the longitudinal direction. This is known as the 'cephalocaudal' or "head to toe" sequence. 
  • That is the reason why the child first gains control overhead before she/he starts walking.
• Hence we can say that the cephalocaudal principle suggests that the pattern of the growth begins with heads and upper body parts and then proceeds to the rest of the body.

• Proximodistal: The development moves from the centerline of the body outward towards the distant or peripheral parts referred to as 'proximodistal' or 'near to far'.
  • The middle part of the body develops quicker than the outer part of the body.​
• Principle of Integration: The principle of Integration refers to the integration of various aspects of development like physical, mental, emotional, social and moral.

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