What does maturation refer to in child development?

Maturation in child development specifically refers to the sequence of biological changes that occur as a child grows and develops. These changes are largely driven by genetic factors and unfold in a relatively uniform pattern across individuals. Maturation involves physical growth, the development of motor skills, and various physiological changes that prepare a child for more complex behaviors and functions.

This biological perspective emphasizes how the physical body itself changes and develops, leading to improvements in skills such as walking, coordination, and other physical capacities. The focus is on the natural progression and readiness that occurs as a child ages, influenced by their inherent biological timeline rather than by external learning experiences or environmental factors.

While cognitive, social, and emotional changes are crucial aspects of child development, they are not encompassed within the definition of maturation, which is strictly related to biological processes. These other changes may interact with maturation, but they follow different developmental trajectories influenced by a mix of environmental, social, and individual factors.