NCERT Textbook: Growing up with Confidence | Health and Physical Education for Class 9 PDF Download

 Page 1


2.1 IntroductIon You have already learnt about growing up as adolescents in 
Class VIII through your science textbook. Growth is a natural 
phenomenon. Growth is a characteristic feature of all living 
beings. You must have seen seeds growing into seedlings, which 
then grow and develop into plants, or pups growing into dogs, 
kitten into cats and so on. Similarly an infant passes through 
different phases of growth from childhood to adolescence to 
adulthood. Although all the stages of growth and development 
are significant, it has been universally recognised that the 
stage of adolescence is the most critical one. 
This chapter deals with the pattern of human growth with 
special emphasis on the growth spurt that takes place during 
adolescence which means by rapid changes in the body, 
psyche and behaviour. An adolescent, well aware of pubertal 
changes, must be able to understand and accept the changes 
with confidence, and not fall into the trap of escapist strategies 
such as drug abuse. Growing up with confidence needs proper 
understanding of various issues and concerns related to 
adolescence such as growth and development, self-concept 
and self-esteem, anxiety and depression, nutritional needs 
and sexual desires or any kind of harassment. Understanding 
these issues and concerns will help develop a positive attitude 
towards gender concerns and building healthy relationships.
2.2 Growth : A n AturAl Phenomenon 
Recognition of adolescence as a distinct stage in the development 
of human beings began during the early part of the 20th 
century. Growth during adolescence is mostly portrayed as 
an exclusive characteristic of this period, making one believe 
that growth during other stages — childhood, adulthood and 
old age is hardly significant. But you would have observed 
that we have all been growing up since we were born without 
consciously realising it. We can appreciate the phenomenon 
of growth during all stages of human life by undertaking the 
following activities.
2.2.1 What is Growth?
Let us understand what is growth? Growth may be defined 
as the quantitative increase in size or mass. When weight is 
measured in kilograms and height in centimetres from time to 
Growing up with
Confidence
Box 2.1
Adolescence is the 
period of  transition 
between childhood 
and adulthood in 
human lifespan. It 
is generally been 
between 10-19 
years of age. It is 
a period of rapid 
physical, cognitive, 
socio-emotional and 
behavioural changes. 
WHO states that- 
“there are certain 
attributes that mark 
adolescence which 
include appearance 
of secondary sex 
characteristics 
(puberty), attainment 
of  reproductive 
maturity, 
development of adult 
mental processes 
and adult identity 
and transition from 
total socio-economic 
dependence to relate 
independence”.
2
Page 2


2.1 IntroductIon You have already learnt about growing up as adolescents in 
Class VIII through your science textbook. Growth is a natural 
phenomenon. Growth is a characteristic feature of all living 
beings. You must have seen seeds growing into seedlings, which 
then grow and develop into plants, or pups growing into dogs, 
kitten into cats and so on. Similarly an infant passes through 
different phases of growth from childhood to adolescence to 
adulthood. Although all the stages of growth and development 
are significant, it has been universally recognised that the 
stage of adolescence is the most critical one. 
This chapter deals with the pattern of human growth with 
special emphasis on the growth spurt that takes place during 
adolescence which means by rapid changes in the body, 
psyche and behaviour. An adolescent, well aware of pubertal 
changes, must be able to understand and accept the changes 
with confidence, and not fall into the trap of escapist strategies 
such as drug abuse. Growing up with confidence needs proper 
understanding of various issues and concerns related to 
adolescence such as growth and development, self-concept 
and self-esteem, anxiety and depression, nutritional needs 
and sexual desires or any kind of harassment. Understanding 
these issues and concerns will help develop a positive attitude 
towards gender concerns and building healthy relationships.
2.2 Growth : A n AturAl Phenomenon 
Recognition of adolescence as a distinct stage in the development 
of human beings began during the early part of the 20th 
century. Growth during adolescence is mostly portrayed as 
an exclusive characteristic of this period, making one believe 
that growth during other stages — childhood, adulthood and 
old age is hardly significant. But you would have observed 
that we have all been growing up since we were born without 
consciously realising it. We can appreciate the phenomenon 
of growth during all stages of human life by undertaking the 
following activities.
2.2.1 What is Growth?
Let us understand what is growth? Growth may be defined 
as the quantitative increase in size or mass. When weight is 
measured in kilograms and height in centimetres from time to 
Growing up with
Confidence
Box 2.1
Adolescence is the 
period of  transition 
between childhood 
and adulthood in 
human lifespan. It 
is generally been 
between 10-19 
years of age. It is 
a period of rapid 
physical, cognitive, 
socio-emotional and 
behavioural changes. 
WHO states that- 
“there are certain 
attributes that mark 
adolescence which 
include appearance 
of secondary sex 
characteristics 
(puberty), attainment 
of  reproductive 
maturity, 
development of adult 
mental processes 
and adult identity 
and transition from 
total socio-economic 
dependence to relate 
independence”.
2
Growing up with Confidence 
time, we can know how much growth has occurred in a child. 
When the organs of the body grow, the number, the size and the 
weight of their cells increase. Growth can be measured in terms 
of the change in length, width, depth and volume in a specific 
time period. Although growth is a characteristic of living beings, 
in all living beings, the rate of growth also depends on nutrition 
and living conditions, including the environment at home.
2.2.2 Growth, Development and Maturation
Growth, development and maturation occur side by side. 
Growth is a quantitative increase in size through increase in 
number of cells or elongation of cells. Development may be 
defined as the progression of changes, both qualitative and 
quantitative, which lead to an undifferentiated mass of cells to 
a highly organised state. Maturation is a measure of functional 
capacity. For example, a child begins to speak by making 
unintelligible sounds. Then, slowly it acquires the capacity for 
speaking in a manner, which is easily understood by others. 
Another example of maturation is when a child begins to crawl 
and then matures to a state of walking on two legs. Similarly, 
organs of reproduction reach maturity at the end of puberty.
2.3 d etermInAnts of Growth And d eveloPment Although age related events of growth, development and 
maturation in human beings are mostly the same in all cultures, 
however, some variations do exist. This is because growth is 
affected by both genetic and the environmental factors. Growth 
is also influenced by the socio–cultural context. For example, 
in the economically backward families, the growth of family 
members gets stunted due to undernourishment. But even 
in economically sound households, the members may not be 
taking a nutritious diet. Many children who eat junk food all the 
time become obese. In fact, growth and development of a human 
being is a result of a combination of heredity and environment.
ActIvIty 2.1
1. You may collect pictures from old magazines or newspapers and paste them on 
a sheet of paper to exhibit the life history of a plant or an animal or stages of 
human lifecycle beginning from infancy to old age. You may even draw them.
2. In your diary, list the changes that you have undergone from the time you were 
nine years old, till now. Mention physical, emotional as well as psychological 
changes which you experienced. Prepare a write-up on those changes 
particularly focusing on whether the changes that made you feel surprised or 
stressed till you realised that these changes are normal and natural. You may 
discuss these changes with your friends. You will realise that these changes 
during adolescence do not begin at the same age in all the growing children.
Page 3


2.1 IntroductIon You have already learnt about growing up as adolescents in 
Class VIII through your science textbook. Growth is a natural 
phenomenon. Growth is a characteristic feature of all living 
beings. You must have seen seeds growing into seedlings, which 
then grow and develop into plants, or pups growing into dogs, 
kitten into cats and so on. Similarly an infant passes through 
different phases of growth from childhood to adolescence to 
adulthood. Although all the stages of growth and development 
are significant, it has been universally recognised that the 
stage of adolescence is the most critical one. 
This chapter deals with the pattern of human growth with 
special emphasis on the growth spurt that takes place during 
adolescence which means by rapid changes in the body, 
psyche and behaviour. An adolescent, well aware of pubertal 
changes, must be able to understand and accept the changes 
with confidence, and not fall into the trap of escapist strategies 
such as drug abuse. Growing up with confidence needs proper 
understanding of various issues and concerns related to 
adolescence such as growth and development, self-concept 
and self-esteem, anxiety and depression, nutritional needs 
and sexual desires or any kind of harassment. Understanding 
these issues and concerns will help develop a positive attitude 
towards gender concerns and building healthy relationships.
2.2 Growth : A n AturAl Phenomenon 
Recognition of adolescence as a distinct stage in the development 
of human beings began during the early part of the 20th 
century. Growth during adolescence is mostly portrayed as 
an exclusive characteristic of this period, making one believe 
that growth during other stages — childhood, adulthood and 
old age is hardly significant. But you would have observed 
that we have all been growing up since we were born without 
consciously realising it. We can appreciate the phenomenon 
of growth during all stages of human life by undertaking the 
following activities.
2.2.1 What is Growth?
Let us understand what is growth? Growth may be defined 
as the quantitative increase in size or mass. When weight is 
measured in kilograms and height in centimetres from time to 
Growing up with
Confidence
Box 2.1
Adolescence is the 
period of  transition 
between childhood 
and adulthood in 
human lifespan. It 
is generally been 
between 10-19 
years of age. It is 
a period of rapid 
physical, cognitive, 
socio-emotional and 
behavioural changes. 
WHO states that- 
“there are certain 
attributes that mark 
adolescence which 
include appearance 
of secondary sex 
characteristics 
(puberty), attainment 
of  reproductive 
maturity, 
development of adult 
mental processes 
and adult identity 
and transition from 
total socio-economic 
dependence to relate 
independence”.
2
Growing up with Confidence 
time, we can know how much growth has occurred in a child. 
When the organs of the body grow, the number, the size and the 
weight of their cells increase. Growth can be measured in terms 
of the change in length, width, depth and volume in a specific 
time period. Although growth is a characteristic of living beings, 
in all living beings, the rate of growth also depends on nutrition 
and living conditions, including the environment at home.
2.2.2 Growth, Development and Maturation
Growth, development and maturation occur side by side. 
Growth is a quantitative increase in size through increase in 
number of cells or elongation of cells. Development may be 
defined as the progression of changes, both qualitative and 
quantitative, which lead to an undifferentiated mass of cells to 
a highly organised state. Maturation is a measure of functional 
capacity. For example, a child begins to speak by making 
unintelligible sounds. Then, slowly it acquires the capacity for 
speaking in a manner, which is easily understood by others. 
Another example of maturation is when a child begins to crawl 
and then matures to a state of walking on two legs. Similarly, 
organs of reproduction reach maturity at the end of puberty.
2.3 d etermInAnts of Growth And d eveloPment Although age related events of growth, development and 
maturation in human beings are mostly the same in all cultures, 
however, some variations do exist. This is because growth is 
affected by both genetic and the environmental factors. Growth 
is also influenced by the socio–cultural context. For example, 
in the economically backward families, the growth of family 
members gets stunted due to undernourishment. But even 
in economically sound households, the members may not be 
taking a nutritious diet. Many children who eat junk food all the 
time become obese. In fact, growth and development of a human 
being is a result of a combination of heredity and environment.
ActIvIty 2.1
1. You may collect pictures from old magazines or newspapers and paste them on 
a sheet of paper to exhibit the life history of a plant or an animal or stages of 
human lifecycle beginning from infancy to old age. You may even draw them.
2. In your diary, list the changes that you have undergone from the time you were 
nine years old, till now. Mention physical, emotional as well as psychological 
changes which you experienced. Prepare a write-up on those changes 
particularly focusing on whether the changes that made you feel surprised or 
stressed till you realised that these changes are normal and natural. You may 
discuss these changes with your friends. You will realise that these changes 
during adolescence do not begin at the same age in all the growing children.
 Health and Physical Education — Class IX
2.3.1 Role of Heredity
Parents contribute genes to their biological offspring, so 
the children tend to resemble their parents in stature, 
body proportions, body composition, and pace of growth 
and development. Individual genes, however, are not solely 
responsible for growth, nor do they directly cause growth. 
Several genes jointly control growth. The hormonal and nervous 
systems also have an important role to play. Hormones from 
endocrine glands provide the requisite environment for gene 
action throughout life. For example, growth spurt during 
adolescence requires the secretion of adequate amounts of 
growth hormones into blood so that the genes regulating growth 
of skeleton, muscles and fat become active to the required 
extent. Because of inheritance, children of tall parents are 
likely to be tall and children of short parents tend to be short. 
One needs to understand the role of heredity in the context 
of development of body physique. Therefore, one should not 
develop a negative or positive image of oneself on the basis 
of one’s physique. Also, some individuals have a constitution 
which makes them look tall (ectomorphic), some medium 
sized (mesomorphic) and some have a small but rounded built 
(endomorphic). Thus, a normally growing adolescent should 
not base self-image on these factors as they are beyond one’s 
control.
2.3.2 Role of Environment
Growth and development are also influenced by environmental 
factors. The role of nutrition, child rearing practices and the 
psycho-social environment provided by the family is very critical. 
Nutrition: A nutritious diet favours growth. Growth requires 
multiplication of cells or enlargement of cells, which depends 
on an adequate supply of nutrients. In fact, at every stage, 
the body needs a basic level of nutrients for its sustenance. 
Nutrition is, therefore, the most important external factor for 
growth. You have learnt in earlier classes in your science lessons 
that essential nutrients in a human diet are:
1. Proteins and amino acids 
2. Carbohydrates and sugar
3. Lipids – fats and oils 
4. Minerals – Macronutrients: Calcium, Phosphorus, 
Sodium, Potassium, Sulphur, Chlorine, Magnesium.  
Micronutrients: Iron, Zinc, Manganese, Iodine, Cobalt, 
Copper, Molybdenum, Nickel. 
5. Vitamins – Vitamins are of two kinds
 Fat soluble: Vitamins A, D, E, K 
 Water soluble:  Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Folic Acid.
6. Water 
Box 2.2
Deficiency of iodine 
in food causes 
retardation of 
mental and physical 
growth. Can you 
now explain the 
importance of 
consuming iodised 
salt?
Page 4


2.1 IntroductIon You have already learnt about growing up as adolescents in 
Class VIII through your science textbook. Growth is a natural 
phenomenon. Growth is a characteristic feature of all living 
beings. You must have seen seeds growing into seedlings, which 
then grow and develop into plants, or pups growing into dogs, 
kitten into cats and so on. Similarly an infant passes through 
different phases of growth from childhood to adolescence to 
adulthood. Although all the stages of growth and development 
are significant, it has been universally recognised that the 
stage of adolescence is the most critical one. 
This chapter deals with the pattern of human growth with 
special emphasis on the growth spurt that takes place during 
adolescence which means by rapid changes in the body, 
psyche and behaviour. An adolescent, well aware of pubertal 
changes, must be able to understand and accept the changes 
with confidence, and not fall into the trap of escapist strategies 
such as drug abuse. Growing up with confidence needs proper 
understanding of various issues and concerns related to 
adolescence such as growth and development, self-concept 
and self-esteem, anxiety and depression, nutritional needs 
and sexual desires or any kind of harassment. Understanding 
these issues and concerns will help develop a positive attitude 
towards gender concerns and building healthy relationships.
2.2 Growth : A n AturAl Phenomenon 
Recognition of adolescence as a distinct stage in the development 
of human beings began during the early part of the 20th 
century. Growth during adolescence is mostly portrayed as 
an exclusive characteristic of this period, making one believe 
that growth during other stages — childhood, adulthood and 
old age is hardly significant. But you would have observed 
that we have all been growing up since we were born without 
consciously realising it. We can appreciate the phenomenon 
of growth during all stages of human life by undertaking the 
following activities.
2.2.1 What is Growth?
Let us understand what is growth? Growth may be defined 
as the quantitative increase in size or mass. When weight is 
measured in kilograms and height in centimetres from time to 
Growing up with
Confidence
Box 2.1
Adolescence is the 
period of  transition 
between childhood 
and adulthood in 
human lifespan. It 
is generally been 
between 10-19 
years of age. It is 
a period of rapid 
physical, cognitive, 
socio-emotional and 
behavioural changes. 
WHO states that- 
“there are certain 
attributes that mark 
adolescence which 
include appearance 
of secondary sex 
characteristics 
(puberty), attainment 
of  reproductive 
maturity, 
development of adult 
mental processes 
and adult identity 
and transition from 
total socio-economic 
dependence to relate 
independence”.
2
Growing up with Confidence 
time, we can know how much growth has occurred in a child. 
When the organs of the body grow, the number, the size and the 
weight of their cells increase. Growth can be measured in terms 
of the change in length, width, depth and volume in a specific 
time period. Although growth is a characteristic of living beings, 
in all living beings, the rate of growth also depends on nutrition 
and living conditions, including the environment at home.
2.2.2 Growth, Development and Maturation
Growth, development and maturation occur side by side. 
Growth is a quantitative increase in size through increase in 
number of cells or elongation of cells. Development may be 
defined as the progression of changes, both qualitative and 
quantitative, which lead to an undifferentiated mass of cells to 
a highly organised state. Maturation is a measure of functional 
capacity. For example, a child begins to speak by making 
unintelligible sounds. Then, slowly it acquires the capacity for 
speaking in a manner, which is easily understood by others. 
Another example of maturation is when a child begins to crawl 
and then matures to a state of walking on two legs. Similarly, 
organs of reproduction reach maturity at the end of puberty.
2.3 d etermInAnts of Growth And d eveloPment Although age related events of growth, development and 
maturation in human beings are mostly the same in all cultures, 
however, some variations do exist. This is because growth is 
affected by both genetic and the environmental factors. Growth 
is also influenced by the socio–cultural context. For example, 
in the economically backward families, the growth of family 
members gets stunted due to undernourishment. But even 
in economically sound households, the members may not be 
taking a nutritious diet. Many children who eat junk food all the 
time become obese. In fact, growth and development of a human 
being is a result of a combination of heredity and environment.
ActIvIty 2.1
1. You may collect pictures from old magazines or newspapers and paste them on 
a sheet of paper to exhibit the life history of a plant or an animal or stages of 
human lifecycle beginning from infancy to old age. You may even draw them.
2. In your diary, list the changes that you have undergone from the time you were 
nine years old, till now. Mention physical, emotional as well as psychological 
changes which you experienced. Prepare a write-up on those changes 
particularly focusing on whether the changes that made you feel surprised or 
stressed till you realised that these changes are normal and natural. You may 
discuss these changes with your friends. You will realise that these changes 
during adolescence do not begin at the same age in all the growing children.
 Health and Physical Education — Class IX
2.3.1 Role of Heredity
Parents contribute genes to their biological offspring, so 
the children tend to resemble their parents in stature, 
body proportions, body composition, and pace of growth 
and development. Individual genes, however, are not solely 
responsible for growth, nor do they directly cause growth. 
Several genes jointly control growth. The hormonal and nervous 
systems also have an important role to play. Hormones from 
endocrine glands provide the requisite environment for gene 
action throughout life. For example, growth spurt during 
adolescence requires the secretion of adequate amounts of 
growth hormones into blood so that the genes regulating growth 
of skeleton, muscles and fat become active to the required 
extent. Because of inheritance, children of tall parents are 
likely to be tall and children of short parents tend to be short. 
One needs to understand the role of heredity in the context 
of development of body physique. Therefore, one should not 
develop a negative or positive image of oneself on the basis 
of one’s physique. Also, some individuals have a constitution 
which makes them look tall (ectomorphic), some medium 
sized (mesomorphic) and some have a small but rounded built 
(endomorphic). Thus, a normally growing adolescent should 
not base self-image on these factors as they are beyond one’s 
control.
2.3.2 Role of Environment
Growth and development are also influenced by environmental 
factors. The role of nutrition, child rearing practices and the 
psycho-social environment provided by the family is very critical. 
Nutrition: A nutritious diet favours growth. Growth requires 
multiplication of cells or enlargement of cells, which depends 
on an adequate supply of nutrients. In fact, at every stage, 
the body needs a basic level of nutrients for its sustenance. 
Nutrition is, therefore, the most important external factor for 
growth. You have learnt in earlier classes in your science lessons 
that essential nutrients in a human diet are:
1. Proteins and amino acids 
2. Carbohydrates and sugar
3. Lipids – fats and oils 
4. Minerals – Macronutrients: Calcium, Phosphorus, 
Sodium, Potassium, Sulphur, Chlorine, Magnesium.  
Micronutrients: Iron, Zinc, Manganese, Iodine, Cobalt, 
Copper, Molybdenum, Nickel. 
5. Vitamins – Vitamins are of two kinds
 Fat soluble: Vitamins A, D, E, K 
 Water soluble:  Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Folic Acid.
6. Water 
Box 2.2
Deficiency of iodine 
in food causes 
retardation of 
mental and physical 
growth. Can you 
now explain the 
importance of 
consuming iodised 
salt?
Growing up with Confidence 
ActIvIty 2.2
Read the following case studies carefully and reflect on the question asked at 
the end of each case study.
Case 1: Fourteen years old Suleman and George were very good friends who also 
shared their birth date. Suleman’s parents were quite tall. While Suleman was 5 feet 
6 inches tall, George was only 4 feet 9 inches. George wanted to be of the same height 
as Suleman and would hold on to a rod and hang from it but to no avail. Then they 
approached the counsellor in school. 
Guess what counselling was given by the counsellor?
Case 2: Suresh was a small-built boy studying in Class IX. Not only was he short and 
skinny but also had a tired look on his face. After a medical examination by the school 
doctor, parents took good care of Suresh. By the time Suresh got into Class XI, he 
was as grown up as his classmates. The doctor gave no medicines to Suresh. 
How do you think Suresh attained normal growth?
Nutrients are obtained from food. Both quality and quantity 
of food are important. Food provides energy, and energy 
(in kilo calories) is required not only for growth but also for 
maintenance of the body, its working as well as reproduction.
A balanced diet contains all the nutrients in appropriate 
quantities. Undernutrition during childhood results in slow 
growth and delayed maturation. If continued into adolescence, 
it leads to short stature adulthood. Nutritional needs during 
adolescence are more than that during childhood. Dietary 
deficiencies retard the growth. The nutrient requirement 
however varies among adolescents since rate of physical growth 
is not the same in all. In populations with food shortage, growth 
of children is delayed. They may be shorter or of less weight 
due to malnutrition or undernutrition. 
2.3.3  The Psycho-social environment
The quality of emotional and psychological environment 
in which a child lives and grows do influence the hormonal 
balance of the body, thereby affecting growth. Growth gets 
retarded as a result of emotionally stressful environment.
Physical and psychological stress together have been found 
to influence growth and development in girls with respect to 
menarche and menstruation. The age of attaining puberty 
among boys and girls varies. Some adolescents show signs of 
early maturation, while others mature late. Highly competitive 
track athletes who enter training before puberty have been 
found to show delayed menarche. It is possible to explain 
the delay due to the elevated levels of certain hormones in 
blood during severe physical exercise. These hormones delay 
Page 5


2.1 IntroductIon You have already learnt about growing up as adolescents in 
Class VIII through your science textbook. Growth is a natural 
phenomenon. Growth is a characteristic feature of all living 
beings. You must have seen seeds growing into seedlings, which 
then grow and develop into plants, or pups growing into dogs, 
kitten into cats and so on. Similarly an infant passes through 
different phases of growth from childhood to adolescence to 
adulthood. Although all the stages of growth and development 
are significant, it has been universally recognised that the 
stage of adolescence is the most critical one. 
This chapter deals with the pattern of human growth with 
special emphasis on the growth spurt that takes place during 
adolescence which means by rapid changes in the body, 
psyche and behaviour. An adolescent, well aware of pubertal 
changes, must be able to understand and accept the changes 
with confidence, and not fall into the trap of escapist strategies 
such as drug abuse. Growing up with confidence needs proper 
understanding of various issues and concerns related to 
adolescence such as growth and development, self-concept 
and self-esteem, anxiety and depression, nutritional needs 
and sexual desires or any kind of harassment. Understanding 
these issues and concerns will help develop a positive attitude 
towards gender concerns and building healthy relationships.
2.2 Growth : A n AturAl Phenomenon 
Recognition of adolescence as a distinct stage in the development 
of human beings began during the early part of the 20th 
century. Growth during adolescence is mostly portrayed as 
an exclusive characteristic of this period, making one believe 
that growth during other stages — childhood, adulthood and 
old age is hardly significant. But you would have observed 
that we have all been growing up since we were born without 
consciously realising it. We can appreciate the phenomenon 
of growth during all stages of human life by undertaking the 
following activities.
2.2.1 What is Growth?
Let us understand what is growth? Growth may be defined 
as the quantitative increase in size or mass. When weight is 
measured in kilograms and height in centimetres from time to 
Growing up with
Confidence
Box 2.1
Adolescence is the 
period of  transition 
between childhood 
and adulthood in 
human lifespan. It 
is generally been 
between 10-19 
years of age. It is 
a period of rapid 
physical, cognitive, 
socio-emotional and 
behavioural changes. 
WHO states that- 
“there are certain 
attributes that mark 
adolescence which 
include appearance 
of secondary sex 
characteristics 
(puberty), attainment 
of  reproductive 
maturity, 
development of adult 
mental processes 
and adult identity 
and transition from 
total socio-economic 
dependence to relate 
independence”.
2
Growing up with Confidence 
time, we can know how much growth has occurred in a child. 
When the organs of the body grow, the number, the size and the 
weight of their cells increase. Growth can be measured in terms 
of the change in length, width, depth and volume in a specific 
time period. Although growth is a characteristic of living beings, 
in all living beings, the rate of growth also depends on nutrition 
and living conditions, including the environment at home.
2.2.2 Growth, Development and Maturation
Growth, development and maturation occur side by side. 
Growth is a quantitative increase in size through increase in 
number of cells or elongation of cells. Development may be 
defined as the progression of changes, both qualitative and 
quantitative, which lead to an undifferentiated mass of cells to 
a highly organised state. Maturation is a measure of functional 
capacity. For example, a child begins to speak by making 
unintelligible sounds. Then, slowly it acquires the capacity for 
speaking in a manner, which is easily understood by others. 
Another example of maturation is when a child begins to crawl 
and then matures to a state of walking on two legs. Similarly, 
organs of reproduction reach maturity at the end of puberty.
2.3 d etermInAnts of Growth And d eveloPment Although age related events of growth, development and 
maturation in human beings are mostly the same in all cultures, 
however, some variations do exist. This is because growth is 
affected by both genetic and the environmental factors. Growth 
is also influenced by the socio–cultural context. For example, 
in the economically backward families, the growth of family 
members gets stunted due to undernourishment. But even 
in economically sound households, the members may not be 
taking a nutritious diet. Many children who eat junk food all the 
time become obese. In fact, growth and development of a human 
being is a result of a combination of heredity and environment.
ActIvIty 2.1
1. You may collect pictures from old magazines or newspapers and paste them on 
a sheet of paper to exhibit the life history of a plant or an animal or stages of 
human lifecycle beginning from infancy to old age. You may even draw them.
2. In your diary, list the changes that you have undergone from the time you were 
nine years old, till now. Mention physical, emotional as well as psychological 
changes which you experienced. Prepare a write-up on those changes 
particularly focusing on whether the changes that made you feel surprised or 
stressed till you realised that these changes are normal and natural. You may 
discuss these changes with your friends. You will realise that these changes 
during adolescence do not begin at the same age in all the growing children.
 Health and Physical Education — Class IX
2.3.1 Role of Heredity
Parents contribute genes to their biological offspring, so 
the children tend to resemble their parents in stature, 
body proportions, body composition, and pace of growth 
and development. Individual genes, however, are not solely 
responsible for growth, nor do they directly cause growth. 
Several genes jointly control growth. The hormonal and nervous 
systems also have an important role to play. Hormones from 
endocrine glands provide the requisite environment for gene 
action throughout life. For example, growth spurt during 
adolescence requires the secretion of adequate amounts of 
growth hormones into blood so that the genes regulating growth 
of skeleton, muscles and fat become active to the required 
extent. Because of inheritance, children of tall parents are 
likely to be tall and children of short parents tend to be short. 
One needs to understand the role of heredity in the context 
of development of body physique. Therefore, one should not 
develop a negative or positive image of oneself on the basis 
of one’s physique. Also, some individuals have a constitution 
which makes them look tall (ectomorphic), some medium 
sized (mesomorphic) and some have a small but rounded built 
(endomorphic). Thus, a normally growing adolescent should 
not base self-image on these factors as they are beyond one’s 
control.
2.3.2 Role of Environment
Growth and development are also influenced by environmental 
factors. The role of nutrition, child rearing practices and the 
psycho-social environment provided by the family is very critical. 
Nutrition: A nutritious diet favours growth. Growth requires 
multiplication of cells or enlargement of cells, which depends 
on an adequate supply of nutrients. In fact, at every stage, 
the body needs a basic level of nutrients for its sustenance. 
Nutrition is, therefore, the most important external factor for 
growth. You have learnt in earlier classes in your science lessons 
that essential nutrients in a human diet are:
1. Proteins and amino acids 
2. Carbohydrates and sugar
3. Lipids – fats and oils 
4. Minerals – Macronutrients: Calcium, Phosphorus, 
Sodium, Potassium, Sulphur, Chlorine, Magnesium.  
Micronutrients: Iron, Zinc, Manganese, Iodine, Cobalt, 
Copper, Molybdenum, Nickel. 
5. Vitamins – Vitamins are of two kinds
 Fat soluble: Vitamins A, D, E, K 
 Water soluble:  Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Folic Acid.
6. Water 
Box 2.2
Deficiency of iodine 
in food causes 
retardation of 
mental and physical 
growth. Can you 
now explain the 
importance of 
consuming iodised 
salt?
Growing up with Confidence 
ActIvIty 2.2
Read the following case studies carefully and reflect on the question asked at 
the end of each case study.
Case 1: Fourteen years old Suleman and George were very good friends who also 
shared their birth date. Suleman’s parents were quite tall. While Suleman was 5 feet 
6 inches tall, George was only 4 feet 9 inches. George wanted to be of the same height 
as Suleman and would hold on to a rod and hang from it but to no avail. Then they 
approached the counsellor in school. 
Guess what counselling was given by the counsellor?
Case 2: Suresh was a small-built boy studying in Class IX. Not only was he short and 
skinny but also had a tired look on his face. After a medical examination by the school 
doctor, parents took good care of Suresh. By the time Suresh got into Class XI, he 
was as grown up as his classmates. The doctor gave no medicines to Suresh. 
How do you think Suresh attained normal growth?
Nutrients are obtained from food. Both quality and quantity 
of food are important. Food provides energy, and energy 
(in kilo calories) is required not only for growth but also for 
maintenance of the body, its working as well as reproduction.
A balanced diet contains all the nutrients in appropriate 
quantities. Undernutrition during childhood results in slow 
growth and delayed maturation. If continued into adolescence, 
it leads to short stature adulthood. Nutritional needs during 
adolescence are more than that during childhood. Dietary 
deficiencies retard the growth. The nutrient requirement 
however varies among adolescents since rate of physical growth 
is not the same in all. In populations with food shortage, growth 
of children is delayed. They may be shorter or of less weight 
due to malnutrition or undernutrition. 
2.3.3  The Psycho-social environment
The quality of emotional and psychological environment 
in which a child lives and grows do influence the hormonal 
balance of the body, thereby affecting growth. Growth gets 
retarded as a result of emotionally stressful environment.
Physical and psychological stress together have been found 
to influence growth and development in girls with respect to 
menarche and menstruation. The age of attaining puberty 
among boys and girls varies. Some adolescents show signs of 
early maturation, while others mature late. Highly competitive 
track athletes who enter training before puberty have been 
found to show delayed menarche. It is possible to explain 
the delay due to the elevated levels of certain hormones in 
blood during severe physical exercise. These hormones delay 
 Health and Physical Education — Class IX
the onset of menstruation. The 
timing of menarche is possibly 
the best researched adolescent 
event known to be affected by 
factors like heredity, nutrition, 
illness, socio-economic status 
and psychological condition. 
2.3.4  Socio-economic Status 
Socio-economic status also 
affects growth. Poverty and low 
socio-economic status lowers 
the rate of growth in youngsters. 
Such retarded growth in socially 
weaker sections of the society 
is linked to heavy physical 
labour and the stress associated with it. Malnutrition and an 
unhygienic environment is also not congenial for growth. 
2.4 s elf -concePt And s elf -esteem Growth and development during adolescence do affect self-
concept and self-esteem. The concept of ‘self’ becomes evident 
in boys and girls as they enter their ‘teen’ age. Several changes 
begin to occur in their body and psyche. As a result, the 
attention is focused towards ‘self’. As the concept of ‘self’ 
develops, it makes the teenager develop less dependence on 
parents. Self-image becomes important not only for oneself 
ActIvIty 2.3
Read the conversation between Srinivas and his friend Ali 
Srinivas of Class IX (age 13) who is short and skinny is teased by his classmates, who 
call him ‘dwarfy’/’bauna’/‘gittha’. Srinivas stops going to school. One day his class 
friend Ali meets him in the market and enquires about his absence from school. 
Ali: A lot has been done in the class and exams are approaching. Why are you not 
coming to school? Even the teacher was commenting on your absence. 
I am your friend. Tell me what is wrong. I shall try and help you.
Srinivas: He breaks down. We are six siblings living with our parents in a small 
shanty (jhuggi). My father is alcoholic. My mother works harder than her body can 
allow, for earning some money for the family. There is never enough to eat. We are 
always fighting. On top of that the bullies of the class tease me. In any case, I need to 
supplement family income by taking up a job.
Analyse the situation, which led to slower growth and natural development in Srinivas.
What are the factors affecting the growth of Srinivas?
If you are Ali, what will you do.
Read the following case study carefully and  
reflect-
Case 3:
Neeta and Sheena have been friends since they 
were five years old. They sit together in class. 
They come to school together as they are also 
neighbours. When they were 12, Neeta began to 
menstruate. Sheena showed breast development 
but no signs of menarche even when she was 14. 
Both friends spoke to the teacher about their worry 
regarding Sheena. 
What do you think the teacher said which rid them 
of their anxiety?