Models of human development

A number of models have been and are being put forward to describe the way in which the human being develops from birth (or even before birth) to death (or even after death). None of these models can be totally accurate, they tend to be over-simplified and to diminish reality; but they do enable one to take a step back from reality and view it more objectively, and they allow a certain illusion of control. They tend to view life as a linear progression through babyhood, infancy, childhood, adolescence and adulthood and may concentrate on physical, intellectual, mental, emotional, moral or social development or on spiritual development, faith and belief. Commentators indicate that none of these models should be taken as a map to be followed slavishly, more as a tool or a plaything for developing understanding.