Nature vs nurture is a longstanding debate in psychology that asks whether human behavior and characteristics are primarily determined by genetics (nature) or by environmental influences (nurture). While it is now widely accepted that both nature and nurture play a role in shaping human behavior, the relative influence of each is still a matter of debate.
One side of the nature vs nurture debate argues that genetics are the primary determinant of human behavior. This perspective is known as the nature perspective. Proponents of the nature perspective argue that genetics play a significant role in determining traits such as intelligence, personality, and even mental health conditions. For example, research has shown that intelligence tends to run in families, suggesting that genetics may play a role in determining intellectual ability. Similarly, research has also found that certain mental health conditions, such as depression and schizophrenia, have a genetic component.
On the other hand, the nurture perspective argues that environmental factors are the primary determinants of human behavior. This perspective emphasizes the role of socialization and the environment in shaping behavior. For example, research has shown that children who grow up in disadvantaged environments may be more likely to engage in risky or criminal behavior later in life. Similarly, research has also found that children who are raised in supportive and nurturing environments tend to have better outcomes in terms of mental and physical health.
Despite the long-standing nature vs nurture debate, it is now widely accepted that both nature and nurture play a role in shaping human behavior. This perspective is known as the biopsychosocial model, which recognizes that genetics, the environment, and socialization all interact to shape human behavior. This model acknowledges that while genetics may play a role in determining certain characteristics, the environment and socialization can also have a significant impact on behavior.
In conclusion, the nature vs nurture debate is a complex and ongoing discussion in psychology that asks whether genetics or the environment is the primary determinant of human behavior. While it is now widely accepted that both nature and nurture play a role, the relative influence of each is still a matter of debate. Regardless of the nature vs nurture debate, it is clear that both genetics and the environment play a significant role in shaping who we are as individuals.
Nature vs. Nurture: Genetic and Environmental Influences
Depression is a good example of a polygenic trait, which is thought to be influenced by around 1000 genes Plomin, 2018. Twin Research and Human Genetics, 5 5 , 444-448. The exchange between nature and nurture is dynamic and complex and both nature and nurture cause dynamic and continuous influence on development. Parental Influence: Temperament:The temperament of a child is significantly influenced by observing the people around them and their daily surrounding and environment. Epigenetic effects can sometimes be passed from one generation to the next, although the effects only seem to last for a few generations. Can Nature Affect Nurture? Psychological Review, 109, 26β34. For example, epigenetics state that environmental influences affect the expression of genes.
Nature vs. Nurture in Psychology
On the other side of the debate, we have the empiricist view. Examples of an extreme nature positions in psychology include Chomsky 1965 , who proposed language is gained through the use of an innate language acquisition device. Nature refers to the aspects of heredity and genes that are influenced and nurture refers to the way we are in an environment, how we are raised and treated and any experiences we may live through Cherry, 2018. What is nature and nurture in human growth and development? Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 47 5 , 825-838. Like adoption studies, twin studies support the first rule of behavior genetics; that psychological traits are extremely heritable, about 50% on average. A hypothetical study found that the musical talent of children adopted at birth was predicted by their biological parents' musical abilities, but did not correlate with the musicality of their adopted families. Biol Psychiatry Global Open Sci.
Nature Vs Nurture In Psychology Saul Mcleod Summary
Origins of human aggression the nature of things part 1. Emotional skills, that could lead to a long-term relationship were not needed for the males. Structure of Nature vs Nurture Essay The main structure of nature vs nurture essay is the same as any other essay. People select, modify and create environments correlated with their genetic disposition. Epigenetics: The Agouti Mouse Study Epigenetics: The Agouti Mouse Study Waterland and Jirtle's 2003 Agouti Mouse Study examines the relationship between nature and nurture, showing how epigenetic mechanisms change gene expression lab mice and, by extension, human beings. This is seen in his famous Bobo doll experiment Bandura, 1961.