What primary belief did Arnold Gessell hold about child development?

Arnold Gesell was a prominent figure in the field of child development and is well-known for his belief in the orderly and sequential nature of development. He proposed that development occurs in a predictable manner, adhering to established patterns and stages that unfold as a result of biological maturation. Gesell emphasized that child development progresses through a series of stages that are linked to age and are influenced by an intrinsic timetable that all children follow, irrespective of their specific environments or experiences.

This orderly process means that children typically develop physical, cognitive, and emotional skills in a sequence that can be observed across diverse populations. Gesell’s perspective highlights the importance of biological factors in development, suggesting that while environments do contribute, the overarching developmental pathways are largely determined by genetic and maturation processes. This foundational belief underscores the significance of understanding development as a structured journey, rather than a chaotic or solely environmentally-driven experience.