Foundations of Human Development in the Social Environment
Victoria Torrain
BSHS/325 Human Systems and Development
April 13, 2015
Marianne Bernaldo
Foundations of Human Development in the Social Environment Paper
The Bio-psychosocial dimensions of Human Development are comprised of biological and social components. It is through this multifaceted approach that understandings of human behavior through cognitive development and behavior have been studied to offer an explanation for the exact rationale or root of human behavior. Several psychologist offer theories of behavior to justify their claims that genetics and heredity are the most pertinent factors which control and explain human behavior
Bio-psycho-social Dimensions of Development The bio-psycho-social model of challenge was introduced in the 1990’s by Jim Blascovich and his colleagues. This model was used to measure challenge and threat. This particular model was useful within basic research that provides an explanation of numerous social, psychological phenomena through their motivational implications. This model further enhances the understanding of the two major components of bio-psycho-social dimensions of development. (Blascovich, J., &Mendes, W.B. (2000). The bio-psycho-social dimensions of development comprised of biological and psychological aspects of human development. Biological dimensions are studied through the scientific pretense that genetics and heredity serves as an explanation for all human behavior. Biological aspects of Human Behavior such as intelligence, behavior, and uncontrollable actions that is common to all individuals. Scientist assert that intelligence is determined by an individual’s genes. “This assertion is verified by the strong correlation between the IQ intelligence traits of twins. Similarly, certain depictions of intelligence are common in closely related family members. (Kimble and Colman, (1995)”. Psychological aspects of this theory allow people to understand behavior through cognitive development.

Human Diversity and Cultural Competence Human diversity and cultural competence both play an integral role in development in social environments. The United States being the melting pot for a mixture of cultures via immigration makes it very necessary to be culturally diverse. In an article published by the American Dental Hygienists’ Association, Barrow, Su-Yan L, RDH, MA, MPH, PhD discusses what life was like as he transitioned from his native country of Barbados to the United States. According to Barrow, “The transition from my native country of birth to another country was not very difficult as the national language of Barbados is English.” (Barrow, “American Dental Hygienist’s’ Association” 26.4 (Apr 2012). Because society is not limited to one cultural it is very important in human development me that we openly access other entities of cultural in order to stay on an evolving change in human society. No barriers restrict humans from coming in contact with other cultures therefore it is socially important to interact with different cultures in an effort to bridge the many gaps that be present due to a lack of integrating knowledge from different cultures. Human diversity and cultural competence can best be explained by immigrants from another country that have migrated here and gives birth to a child. The child will grow up here in the United States however because he is born an American citizen doesn’t mean that American cultural will come natural to the child. The child will adapt to the cultural in which the parents raise him. The child may have a better chance of learning American cultural as he will spend most of his stages of early childhood development in American cultural if the parents chose to put the child in daycare and public school in America.
General Systems Theory