Which principle of development states that, in children, development proceeds…
2026
Which principle of development states that, in children, development proceeds from the head toward the feet?
Answer: B. Cephalocaudal principle — ConceptDirectional principles describe the usual sequence in which physical and motor control develops. The cephalocaudal pattern runs from the head downward,…
- A.
Reciprocal principle
- B.
Cephalocaudal principle
- C.
Maturation principle
- D.
Proximodistal principle
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Correct answer: B
Concept
Directional principles describe the usual sequence in which physical and motor control develops.
The cephalocaudal pattern runs from the head downward, while the proximodistal pattern runs from the body's centre toward the extremities.
Application
The stem specifies development from the head toward the feet. This direction is the cephalocaudal pattern, so the required principle is the cephalocaudal principle.
Contrast
Reciprocal principle: focuses on mutual or two-way influence among developmental processes.
Cephalocaudal principle: traces development along the vertical head-to-foot axis.
Maturation principle: explains biologically guided readiness and age-linked unfolding.
Proximodistal principle: traces development from the central axis of the body outward.
Cross-check
Children usually gain control of the head and neck before the trunk and legs, which follows the same head-downward sequence.
Therefore, the principle described is the cephalocaudal principle.