Stages of Development

Stages of development refer to the different phases individuals go through as they grow and learn, typically categorized into childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and old age. Each stage involves specific physical, emotional, and cognitive changes—for example, learning to walk and talk in early childhood or developing independence in adolescence. These stages help us understand how people grow, acquire skills, and adapt to new challenges over time. Development unfolds gradually, influenced by genetics, environment, and experiences, shaping a person’s abilities, behavior, and identity at each phase of life.