Characteristic

Multi-directional. Change occurs in every direction, not always in a straight line. Gains and losses, predictable growth, and unexpected transformations are evident.

Multi-contextual. Human lives are embedded in many contexts, including historical conditions, economic constraints, and family patterns.

Multi-cultural. Many cultures—not just between nations but also within them—affect how people develop.

Plasticity. Every individual, and every trait within each individual, can be altered at any point in the life span. Change is ongoing, although neither random nor easy.

Application in David’s Story

David’s development seemed static (or even regressive, as when early surgery destroyed one eye) but then accelerated each time he entered a new school or college.

The high SES of David’s family made it possible for him to receive good medical and educational care. His two older brothers protected him.

Appalachia, where David and his family lived, has a particular culture, including acceptance of people with disabilities and willingness to help families in need. Those aspects of that culture benefited David and his family.

David’s measured IQ changed from about 40 (severely mentally retarded) to about 130 (far above average), and his physical disabilities became less crippling as he matured. Nonetheless, because of a virus contracted before he was born, his entire life will never be what it might have been.