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Ogonda, G.O. (2008). CPY 116: Psychology of Human Development. Nairobi: University of
Nairobi.
It is common knowledge that Psychology is a science concerned with studying behaviour and cognitive
processes for better understanding of human beings. At the core of behaviour sciences and a foundation to
understanding human behaviour, is the knowledge of the processes involved in the formation of a being
and the development it undergoes in the various stages of life. It is at the formation of life that the
processes that control behaviour are established on the basis of genetic/hereditary factors or simply genes.
Genes are known to control the development of a number of traits that account for individual differences
in people as well as one’s personality. At the same time, genetic mishaps do occur in these early stages
leading to developmental problems hence disability and differences as in the case of Down, Turner and
Klinifelter Syndromes and other genetic conditions – which may have long lasting effects on behaviour of
a person. In addition, many people often wonder about the determination of a child’s sex and how
multiple conceptions leading to the birth of twins – both identical and fraternal, occur. Such knowledge is
gained by studying the formation of life. Once conception takes place, prenatal development proceeds
during which further processes occur with effects on the later life of the conceived being. Maternal factor
and the effects of teratogenic factors can completely influence the future life of the being as it is
developing in the mother’s womb. This does not exclude what happens during the birth of a child. As a
person develops after birth, various environmental forces begin impinging on it with lasting effect on its
behaviour and personality. Such environmental factors include the kind of child rearing practices,
religion, the role education and peers among others.
This module offers the foundation required for understanding human behaviour and cognitive processes
by tracing the development from fertilization to adulthood. In addition, it explains the changes that occur
in the following areas as a person develops through the various phases of life: physical and physiological,
cognitive and language, social, and perceptual. The social and behavioural challenges faced by young
people during adolescence are also explained at depth.
In addition to being useful to Psychology students in general and counselling students, it is also a
good read to parents, lecturers/teachers especially those handling youth counselling among
others.