Biological Factors in Development

Definition of Biological Factors in Development

What are these important factors that keep up humans moving about? Biological factors that affect our development are internal processes such as genetic conditions, neurological, chemical, physiological, and physical. This means that our parent's DNA, the development of our brain while in our mother's womb, and the hormones that produce chemicals influence development at the earliest stages of life (even at conception because of genetics!).

How do we know if biological factors in development are progressing properly? Psychologists often pay a lot of attention to critical periods. There are specific biological factors in development that must be present during these critical periods to indicate that a person is developing normally.

Developmental psychologists often focus a lot of research specifically on early development during these critical periods. It's also why we see so many toys and games being sold that claim they help early development.

But what about later years of development? Do we stop developing as we age? While critical periods become less relevant as we age, there is constant development through brain plasticity.

Biological Factor Examples

Biological factors include genetics and research from twin and adoption studies showing that biological factors influence traits such as weight, height, body mass index and puberty.

Biological Factors in Development: Psychology

Different factors affect the development of humans throughout their life, especially in the absolute beginnings of development. These major factors include genetic factors, brain functions, neurotransmitters, the endocrine system, and our physical health.

Genetic Factors

Perhaps you have heard that you look like your father. Or is it your mother? Or maybe your great uncle, that was twice removed on your mother's side of the family. In any case, there is some truth as we are a culmination of genetics from our parents. How does this affect development?

Fig. 1 Genetic factors are a major influencer of development

We have 46 chromosomes (generally speaking, as some may not have as many) -- 23 chromosomes of our father, and 23 chromosomes of our mother. You can think of these genes as codes of information being downloaded into you. Sometimes, some codes contain information about brown eyes, curly hair, or illnesses and diseases.

Brain Functions

Again, even as we are in the womb, we are experiencing fast-paced biological development! The brain develops as early as two weeks after conception and is only complete as late as early adulthood. During the prenatal period and early childhood, the brain's basic structure is created and formed. Neural networks are formed and refined throughout life.

Biological Factors in the Development of Personality

Can personality have any connection to biological factors in development? Research shows that some areas of the brain can contribute to our personality traits.

Rewinding a bit in time, we find Hans Eysenck, who originally speculated that there are biological factors to consider when specifying someone's personality. The reason for the connection? Eysenck's theories state that our nervous system can directly affect our personality traits.

Eysenck proposed two dimensions of personality that were possible: Introversion / Extroversion (E) and Neuroticism / Stability (N)

Eysenck states that these are second-order personality traits and depend upon the balance between excitation and inhibition processes of the autonomic nervous system (ANS).

Biological Factors that Influence Development of a Child

While the previously mentioned biological factors also affect children, more issues could directly affect a child.

General Health

During the gestational period of pregnancy, did the mother of the child receive proper prenatal care (health care given to a pregnant female to ensure a healthy baby)? For example, ingesting enough folic acid while pregnant three months before the conception of a baby can greatly reduce the possibility of defects in neural tubes. Was the child born of a healthy weight? For example, a baby born too small or large is significantly linked to chronic diseases or obesity.

Nutrition

A child's nutrition holds great importance. A balanced diet must have minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and fats that are sufficient enough for the development of the brain and body. If there are deficiencies in these essential nutrients or a child does not meet their required needs of these nutrients, there are possibilities of problematic growth and development.

Fig. 2 A child's nutrition helps build a healthy body and mind

Examples of Biological Factors in Development

Biological processes produce changes in an individual's physical nature as we continue through life. Being a teenager, for example, can be a time of tough changes biologically. Such examples are:

• Weight gain (thanks to getting taller or adding on more muscle)

• Changes in motor skills (perhaps now you are learning to drive or a new sport)

• Hormonal changes of puberty (acne emerges, body hair grows, etc.)

• Cardiovascular decline