nature vs nurture essay outline

Nature vs. Nurture Debate In Psychology

Saul McLeod, PhD

Editor-in-Chief for Simply Psychology

BSc (Hons) Psychology, MRes, PhD, University of Manchester

Saul McLeod, PhD., is a qualified psychology teacher with over 18 years of experience in further and higher education. He has been published in peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Clinical Psychology.

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Olivia Guy-Evans, MSc

Associate Editor for Simply Psychology

BSc (Hons) Psychology, MSc Psychology of Education

Olivia Guy-Evans is a writer and associate editor for Simply Psychology. She has previously worked in healthcare and educational sectors.

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The nature vs. nurture debate in psychology concerns the relative importance of an individual’s innate qualities (nature) versus personal experiences (nurture) in determining or causing individual differences in physical and behavioral traits. While early theories favored one factor over the other, contemporary views recognize a complex interplay between genes and environment in shaping behavior and development.

Key Takeaways

• Nature is what we think of as pre-wiring and is influenced by genetic inheritance and other biological factors.
• Nurture is generally taken as the influence of external factors after conception, e.g., the product of exposure, life experiences, and learning on an individual.
• Behavioral genetics has enabled psychology to quantify the relative contribution of nature and nurture concerning specific psychological traits.
• Instead of defending extreme nativist or nurturist views, most psychological researchers are now interested in investigating how nature and nurture interact in a host of qualitatively different ways.
• For example, epigenetics is an emerging area of research that shows how environmental influences affect the expression of genes.

The nature-nurture debate is concerned with the relative contribution that both influences make to human behavior, such as personality, cognitive traits, temperament and psychopathology.

Examples of Nature vs. Nurture

Nature vs. nurture in child development.

In child development, the nature vs. nurture debate is evident in the study of language acquisition . Researchers like Chomsky (1957) argue that humans are born with an innate capacity for language (nature), known as universal grammar, suggesting that genetics play a significant role in language development.

Conversely, the behaviorist perspective, exemplified by Skinner (1957), emphasizes the role of environmental reinforcement and learning (nurture) in language acquisition.

Twin studies have provided valuable insights into this debate, demonstrating that identical twins raised apart may share linguistic similarities despite different environments, suggesting a strong genetic influence (Bouchard, 1979).

However, environmental factors, such as exposure to language-rich environments, also play a crucial role in language development, highlighting the intricate interplay between nature and nurture in child development.

Nature vs. Nurture in Personality Development

The nature vs. nurture debate in personality psychology centers on the origins of personality traits. Twin studies have shown that identical twins reared apart tend to have more similar personalities than fraternal twins, indicating a genetic component to personality (Bouchard, 1994).

However, environmental factors, such as parenting styles, cultural influences, and life experiences, also shape personality.

For example, research by Caspi et al. (2003) demonstrated that a particular gene (MAOA) can interact with childhood maltreatment to increase the risk of aggressive behavior in adulthood.

This highlights that genetic predispositions and environmental factors contribute to personality development, and their interaction is complex and multifaceted.

Nature vs. Nurture in Mental Illness Development

The nature vs. nurture debate in mental health explores the etiology of depression. Genetic studies have identified specific genes associated with an increased vulnerability to depression, indicating a genetic component (Sullivan et al., 2000).

However, environmental factors, such as adverse life events and chronic stress during childhood, also play a significant role in the development of depressive disorders (Dube et al.., 2002; Keller et al., 2007)

The diathesis-stress model posits that individuals inherit a genetic predisposition (diathesis) to a disorder, which is then activated or exacerbated by environmental stressors (Monroe & Simons, 1991).

This model illustrates how nature and nurture interact to influence mental health outcomes.

Nature vs. Nurture of Intelligence

The nature vs. nurture debate in intelligence examines the relative contributions of genetic and environmental factors to cognitive abilities.

Intelligence is highly heritable, with about 50% of the variance in IQ attributed to genetic factors, based on studies of twins, adoptees, and families (Plomin & Spinath, 2004).

Heritability of intelligence increases with age, from about 20% in infancy to as high as 80% in adulthood, suggesting amplifying effects of genes over time.

However, environmental influences, such as access to quality education and stimulating environments, also significantly impact intelligence.

Shared environmental influences like family background are more influential in childhood, whereas non-shared experiences are more important later in life.

Research by Flynn (1987) showed that average IQ scores have increased over generations, suggesting that environmental improvements, known as the Flynn effect , can lead to substantial gains in cognitive abilities.

Molecular genetics provides tools to identify specific genes and understand their pathways and interactions. However, progress has been slow for complex traits like intelligence. Identified genes have small effect sizes (Plomin & Spinath, 2004).

Overall, intelligence results from a complex interplay between genes and environment over development. Molecular genetics offers promise to clarify these mechanisms. The nature vs nurture debate is outdated – both play key roles.

Nativism (Extreme Nature Position)

It has long been known that certain physical characteristics are biologically determined by genetic inheritance.

Color of eyes, straight or curly hair, pigmentation of the skin, and certain diseases (such as Huntingdon’s chorea) are all a function of the genes we inherit.

These facts have led many to speculate as to whether psychological characteristics such as behavioral tendencies, personality attributes, and mental abilities are also “wired in” before we are even born.

Those who adopt an extreme hereditary position are known as nativists.  Their basic assumption is that the characteristics of the human species as a whole are a product of evolution and that individual differences are due to each person’s unique genetic code.

In general, the earlier a particular ability appears, the more likely it is to be under the influence of genetic factors. Estimates of genetic influence are called heritability.

Examples of extreme nature positions in psychology include Chomsky (1965), who proposed language is gained through the use of an innate language acquisition device. Another example of nature is Freud’s theory of aggression as being an innate drive (called Thanatos).

Characteristics and differences that are not observable at birth, but which emerge later in life, are regarded as the product of maturation. That is to say, we all have an inner “biological clock” which switches on (or off) types of behavior in a pre-programmed way.

The classic example of the way this affects our physical development is the bodily changes that occur in early adolescence at puberty.

However, nativists also argue that maturation governs the emergence of attachment in infancy , language acquisition , and even cognitive development .

Empiricism (Extreme Nurture Position)

At the other end of the spectrum are the environmentalists – also known as empiricists (not to be confused with the other empirical/scientific approach ).

Their basic assumption is that at birth, the human mind is a tabula rasa (a blank slate) and that this is gradually “filled” as a result of experience (e.g., behaviorism ).

From this point of view, psychological characteristics and behavioral differences that emerge through infancy and childhood are the results of learning.  It is how you are brought up (nurture) that governs the psychologically significant aspects of child development and the concept of maturation applies only to the biological.

For example, Bandura’s (1977) social learning theory states that aggression is learned from the environment through observation and imitation. This is seen in his famous Bobo doll experiment (Bandura, 1961).

Also, Skinner (1957) believed that language is learned from other people via behavior-shaping techniques.

Evidence for Nature

• Biological Approach
• Biology of Gender
• Medical Model

Freud (1905) stated that events in our childhood have a great influence on our adult lives, shaping our personality.

He thought that parenting is of primary importance to a child’s development , and the family as the most important feature of nurture was a common theme throughout twentieth-century psychology (which was dominated by environmentalists’ theories).

Behavioral Genetics

Researchers in the field of behavioral genetics study variation in behavior as it is affected by genes, which are the units of heredity passed down from parents to offspring.

“We now know that DNA differences are the major systematic source of psychological differences between us. Environmental effects are important but what we have learned in recent years is that they are mostly random – unsystematic and unstable – which means that we cannot do much about them.” Plomin (2018, xii)

Behavioral genetics has enabled psychology to quantify the relative contribution of nature and nurture with regard to specific psychological traits. One way to do this is to study relatives who share the same genes (nature) but a different environment (nurture). Adoption acts as a natural experiment which allows researchers to do this.

Empirical studies have consistently shown that adoptive children show greater resemblance to their biological parents, rather than their adoptive, or environmental parents (Plomin & DeFries, 1983; 1985).

Another way of studying heredity is by comparing the behavior of twins, who can either be identical (sharing the same genes) or non-identical (sharing 50% of genes). Like adoption studies, twin studies support the first rule of behavior genetics; that psychological traits are extremely heritable, about 50% on average.

The Twins in Early Development Study (TEDS) revealed correlations between twins on a range of behavioral traits, such as personality (empathy and hyperactivity), and components of reading such as phonetics (Haworth, Davis, Plomin, 2013; Oliver & Plomin, 2007; Trouton, Spinath, & Plomin, 2002).

Implications

Jenson (1969) found that the average I.Q. scores of black Americans were significantly lower than whites he went on to argue that genetic factors were mainly responsible – even going so far as to suggest that intelligence is 80% inherited.

The storm of controversy that developed around Jenson’s claims was not mainly due to logical and empirical weaknesses in his argument. It had more to do with the social and political implications that are often drawn from research that claims to demonstrate natural inequalities between social groups.

For many environmentalists, there is a barely disguised right-wing agenda behind the work of behavioral geneticists.  In their view, part of the difference in the I.Q. scores of different ethnic groups is due to inbuilt biases in the methods of testing.

More fundamentally, they believe that differences in intellectual ability are a product of social inequalities in access to material resources and opportunities.  To put it simply children brought up in the ghetto tend to score lower on tests because they are denied the same life chances as more privileged members of society.

Now we can see why the nature-nurture debate has become such a hotly contested issue.  What begins as an attempt to understand the causes of behavioral differences often develops into a politically motivated dispute about distributive justice and power in society.

What’s more, this doesn’t only apply to the debate over I.Q.  It is equally relevant to the psychology of sex and gender , where the question of how much of the (alleged) differences in male and female behavior are due to biology and how much to culture is just as controversial.

Polygenic Inheritance

Rather than the presence or absence of single genes being the determining factor that accounts for psychological traits, behavioral genetics has demonstrated that multiple genes – often thousands, collectively contribute to specific behaviors.

Thus, psychological traits follow a polygenic mode of inheritance (as opposed to being determined by a single gene). Depression is a good example of a polygenic trait, which is thought to be influenced by around 1000 genes (Plomin, 2018).

This means a person with a lower number of these genes (under 500) would have a lower risk of experiencing depression than someone with a higher number.

While still limited in predictive power, polygenic risk scores provide a way to quantify innate genetic risk, allowing researchers to study how this interacts with environmental factors to influence outcomes.

The high polygenicity of psychiatric disorders (many genes each contributing small effects) revealed by genetic architecture studies shows that there isn’t a simple genetic determinism for most psychiatric conditions. 

This complexity is further increased when you consider how these genes might interact with each other (epistasis) and with environmental factors. The same genetic profile might lead to different outcomes in different environments.

The Nature of Nurture

Nurture assumes that correlations between environmental factors and psychological outcomes are caused environmentally. For example, how much parents read with their children and how well children learn to read appear to be related. Other examples include environmental stress and its effect on depression.

However, behavioral genetics argues that what looks like environmental effects are to a large extent a reflection of genetic differences (Plomin & Bergeman, 1991).

People select, modify, and create environments correlated with their genetic disposition. This means that what sometimes appears to be an environmental influence (nurture) is a genetic influence (nature).

So, children genetically predisposed to be competent readers will be happy to listen to their parents read them stories, and be more likely to encourage this interaction.

Interaction Effects

However, in recent years there has been a growing realization that the question of “how much” behavior is due to heredity and “how much” to the environment may itself be the wrong question.

Take intelligence as an example. Like almost all types of human behavior, it is a complex, many-sided phenomenon that reveals itself (or not!) in a great variety of ways.

The “how much” question assumes that psychological traits can all be expressed numerically and that the issue can be resolved in a quantitative manner.

Heritability statistics revealed by behavioral genetic studies have been criticized as meaningless, mainly because biologists have established that genes cannot influence development independently of environmental factors; genetic and nongenetic factors always cooperate to build traits.

The reality is that nature and culture interact in a myriad of qualitatively different ways (Gottlieb, 2007; Johnston & Edwards, 2002).

Instead of defending extreme nativist or nurturist views, most psychological researchers are now interested in investigating how nature and nurture interact.

For example, in psychopathology , this means that both a genetic predisposition and an appropriate environmental trigger are required for a mental disorder to develop. 

This concept, known as the diathesis-stress model, suggests that individuals may inherit a vulnerability to certain mental health conditions, but the actual manifestation of these disorders frequently depends on exposure to specific environmental stressors.

• Diathesis : Some individuals have a genetic vulnerability (predisposition) to certain mental disorders.
• Stress : Environmental factors or life events act as triggers.
• Interaction : The combination of genetic vulnerability and environmental stress leads to the manifestation of a disorder.

For instance, a person might carry genes associated with depression, but may not develop the disorder unless exposed to significant life stressors, trauma, or adverse experiences.

Furthermore, the emerging field of epigenetics provides additional insight into this complex relationship.

What is Epigenetics?

Epigenetics is the term used to describe inheritance by mechanisms other than through the DNA sequence of genes. For example, features of a person’s physical and social environment can effect which genes are switched-on, or “expressed”, rather than the DNA sequence of the genes themselves.

Epigenetics refers to changes in gene expression that don’t involve alterations to the DNA sequence itself. Instead, these changes affect how genes are read and translated into proteins.

Basic Explanation

Imagine your DNA as a huge instruction manual for your body. Epigenetics is like highlighters and sticky notes added to this manual.

These markers don’t change the actual text (your DNA), but they can make certain instructions easier or harder to read. Things in your environment, like what you eat, how stressed you are, or even your experiences, can add or remove these markers.

This process can turn genes “on” or “off,” affecting how your body works. Sometimes, these changes can even be passed down to your kids, kind of like inherited highlighter marks in the manual.

Mechanisms of Epigenetic Modification

Epigenetic modifications provide a direct biological mechanism by which environmental experiences (nurture) can alter how our genes (nature) function. This challenges the idea of genes as a fixed, unchangeable blueprint.

Epigenetic changes can occur throughout life, but certain periods (like early development or adolescence) may be particularly sensitive to these modifications.

There are several ways epigenetic changes can occur:

• DNA methylation : Adding methyl groups to DNA, typically suppressing gene expression.
• Histone modification : Changes to the proteins that DNA wraps around, affecting how tightly or loosely genes are packaged.
• Non-coding RNA : RNA molecules that can regulate gene expression.

These epigenetic changes can be temporary or long-lasting, and in some cases, may even be heritable.

Example : Early life stress has been shown to cause epigenetic changes in genes related to stress response, potentially increasing vulnerability to stress-related disorders later in life.

Environmental Stressors

Environmental stressors have been shown to induce epigenetic changes, with substantial evidence from both animal and human studies (Klengel et al., 2016).

These stressors can include malnutrition, exposure to toxins, extreme stress, or trauma, leading to alterations in DNA methylation patterns, histone modifications, and changes in non-coding RNA expression (Bale, 2015).

For instance, research has demonstrated that early life stress can result in long-lasting epigenetic modifications of genes involved in stress response pathways, potentially increasing vulnerability to stress-related disorders later in life (McGowan et al., 2009).

Maternal care in rats has been linked to epigenetic changes in offspring, affecting their stress reactivity (Weaver et al., 2004).

In humans, studies of Holocaust survivors and their descendants have revealed epigenetic alterations associated with trauma exposure, suggesting potential transgenerational effects (Yehuda et al., 2016).

These findings underscore the profound impact of environmental factors on gene expression and highlight the plasticity of our epigenome in response to external influences (Szyf, 2011).

Transgenerational Epigenetic Inheritance

Some epigenetic modifications may be passed down to future generations, suggesting that environmental influences on one generation could affect the genetic expression of subsequent generations.

One such example is what is known as the Dutch Hunger Winter, during last year of the Second World War. What they found was that children who were in the womb during the famine experienced a life-long increase in their chances of developing various health problems compared to children conceived after the famine.

Epigenetic effects can sometimes be passed from one generation to the next, although the effects only seem to last for a few generations. There is some evidence that the effects of the Dutch Hunger Winter affected grandchildren of women who were pregnant during the famine.

Therefore, it makes more sense to say that the difference between two people’s behavior is mostly due to hereditary factors or mostly due to environmental factors.

This realization is especially important given the recent advances in genetics, such as polygenic testing.  The Human Genome Project, for example, has stimulated enormous interest in tracing types of behavior to particular strands of DNA located on specific chromosomes.

If these advances are not to be abused, then there will need to be a more general understanding of the fact that biology interacts with both the cultural context and the personal choices that people make about how they want to live their lives.

There is no neat and simple way of unraveling these qualitatively different and reciprocal influences on human behavior.

The Concept of “Memories” Being Passed Down

While there’s evidence that environmental stressors can induce epigenetic changes that might affect future generations, the concept of specific “memories” being passed down is not supported by current scientific evidence.

This concept often stems from misinterpretation of studies showing behavioral or physiological changes in offspring related to parental experiences.

Some animal studies have demonstrated that offspring of stressed parents exhibit altered stress responses or behavioral changes.

For example, Dias and Ressler (2014) showed in mice that fear responses to specific odors can be passed down to subsequent generations. However, these are not “memories” in the conventional sense, but rather alterations in stress response systems or sensory sensitivities.

Human studies in this area are much more complex and limited. Research has examined children of trauma survivors (e.g., Holocaust survivors, 9/11 survivors) and found differences in stress hormone levels or risk for PTSD (Yehuda et al., 2016).

However, these studies face significant challenges in separating genetic, epigenetic, and social/cultural factors.

The challenges in interpreting human studies are substantial. Humans have complex social structures and cultural transmission of information, making it often impossible to separate the effects of biological inheritance from social learning and shared environments (Heard & Martienssen, 2014).

The longer lifespan and generation time in humans also make it challenging to study transgenerational effects. What’s often observed is not the transmission of specific memories, but rather altered predispositions or sensitivities.

For example, children of trauma survivors might have an altered stress response system, making them more sensitive to stress, but they don’t inherit specific memories of the trauma (Bowers & Yehuda, 2016).

While specific memories aren’t passed down, changes in gene expression related to stress response systems could potentially be inherited. These could affect how future generations respond to stress or process sensory information (Zannas et al., 2015).

Epigenetics: Licking Rat Pups

Michael Meaney and his colleagues at McGill University in Montreal, Canada conducted the landmark epigenetic study on mother rats licking and grooming their pups.

This research found that the amount of licking and grooming received by rat pups during their early life could alter their epigenetic marks and influence their stress responses in adulthood.

Pups that received high levels of maternal care (i.e., more licking and grooming) had a reduced stress response compared to those that received low levels of maternal care.

Meaney’s work with rat maternal behavior and its epigenetic effects has provided significant insights into the understanding of early-life experiences, gene expression, and adult behavior.

It underscores the importance of the early-life environment and its long-term impacts on an individual’s mental health and stress resilience.

Epigenetics: The Agouti Mouse Study

Waterland and Jirtle’s 2003 study on the Agouti mouse is another foundational work in the field of epigenetics that demonstrated how nutritional factors during early development can result in epigenetic changes that have long-lasting effects on phenotype.

In this study, they focused on a specific gene in mice called the Agouti viable yellow (A^vy) gene. Mice with this gene can express a range of coat colors, from yellow to mottled to brown.

This variation in coat color is related to the methylation status of the A^vy gene: higher methylation is associated with the brown coat, and lower methylation with the yellow coat.

Importantly, the coat color is also associated with health outcomes, with yellow mice being more prone to obesity, diabetes, and tumorigenesis compared to brown mice.

Waterland and Jirtle set out to investigate whether maternal diet, specifically supplementation with methyl donors like folic acid, choline, betaine, and vitamin B12, during pregnancy could influence the methylation status of the A^vy gene in offspring.

Key findings from the study include:

Dietary Influence : When pregnant mice were fed a diet supplemented with methyl donors, their offspring had an increased likelihood of having the brown coat color. This indicated that the supplemented diet led to an increased methylation of the A^vy gene.

Health Outcomes : Along with the coat color change, these mice also had reduced risks of obesity and other health issues associated with the yellow phenotype.

Transgenerational Effects : The study showed that nutritional interventions could have effects that extend beyond the individual, affecting the phenotype of the offspring.

The implications of this research are profound. It highlights how maternal nutrition during critical developmental periods can have lasting effects on offspring through epigenetic modifications, potentially affecting health outcomes much later in life.

The study also offers insights into how dietary and environmental factors might contribute to disease susceptibility in humans.

Challenges in Epigenetic Research:

• Epigenetic changes can be tissue-specific, making it challenging to study in the living human brain
• The causal direction (whether epigenetic changes cause disorders or result from them) is often unclear
• The complexity of interactions between multiple epigenetic mechanisms and genetic variants

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Further Information

• Genetic & Environmental Influences on Human Psychological Differences

Evidence for Nurture

• Classical Conditioning
• Little Albert Experiment
• Operant Conditioning
• Behaviorism
• Social Learning Theory
• Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory
• Social Roles
• Attachment Styles
• The Hidden Links Between Mental Disorders
• Visual Cliff Experiment
• Behavioral Genetics, Genetics, and Epigenetics
• Epigenetics
• Is Epigenetics Inherited?
• Physiological Psychology
• Bowlby’s Maternal Deprivation Hypothesis
• So is it nature not nurture after all?

Evidence for an Interaction

• Genes, Interactions, and the Development of Behavior
• Agouti Mouse Study
• Biological Psychology

What does nature refer to in the nature vs. nurture debate?

In the nature vs. nurture debate, “nature” refers to the influence of genetics, innate qualities, and biological factors on human development, behavior, and traits. It emphasizes the role of hereditary factors in shaping who we are.

What does nurture refer to in the nature vs. nurture debate?

In the nature vs. nurture debate, “nurture” refers to the influence of the environment, upbringing, experiences, and social factors on human development, behavior, and traits. It emphasizes the role of external factors in shaping who we are.

Why is it important to determine the contribution of heredity (nature) and environment (nurture) in human development?

Determining the contribution of heredity and environment in human development is crucial for understanding the complex interplay between genetic factors and environmental influences. It helps identify the relative significance of each factor, informing interventions, policies, and strategies to optimize human potential and address developmental challenges.

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The Nature vs. Nurture Debate

Genetic and Environmental Influences and How They Interact

Verywell / Joshua Seong

• Definitions
• Interaction
• Contemporary Views

Nature refers to how genetics influence an individual's personality, whereas nurture refers to how their environment (including relationships and experiences) impacts their development. Whether nature or nurture plays a bigger role in personality and development is one of the oldest philosophical debates within the field of psychology .

Learn how each is defined, along with why the issue of nature vs. nurture continues to arise. We also share a few examples of when arguments on this topic typically occur, how the two factors interact with each other, and contemporary views that exist in the debate of nature vs. nurture as it stands today.

Nature and Nurture Defined

To better understand the nature vs. nurture argument, it helps to know what each of these terms means.

• Nature refers largely to our genetics . It includes the genes we are born with and other hereditary factors that can impact how our personality is formed and influence the way that we develop from childhood through adulthood.
• Nurture encompasses the environmental factors that impact who we are. This includes our early childhood experiences, the way we were raised , our social relationships, and the surrounding culture.

A few biologically determined characteristics include genetic diseases, eye color, hair color, and skin color. Other characteristics are tied to environmental influences, such as how a person behaves, which can be influenced by parenting styles and learned experiences.

For example, one child might learn through observation and reinforcement to say please and thank you. Another child might learn to behave aggressively by observing older children engage in violent behavior on the playground.

The Debate of Nature vs. Nurture

The nature vs. nurture debate centers on the contributions of genetics and environmental factors to human development. Some philosophers, such as Plato and Descartes, suggested that certain factors are inborn or occur naturally regardless of environmental influences.

Advocates of this point of view believe that all of our characteristics and behaviors are the result of evolution. They contend that genetic traits are handed down from parents to their children and influence the individual differences that make each person unique.

Other well-known thinkers, such as John Locke, believed in what is known as tabula rasa which suggests that the mind begins as a blank slate . According to this notion, everything that we are is determined by our experiences.

Behaviorism is a good example of a theory rooted in this belief as behaviorists feel that all actions and behaviors are the results of conditioning. Theorists such as John B. Watson believed that people could be trained to do and become anything, regardless of their genetic background.

People with extreme views are called nativists and empiricists. Nativists take the position that all or most behaviors and characteristics are the result of inheritance. Empiricists take the position that all or most behaviors and characteristics result from learning.

Examples of Nature vs. Nurture

One example of when the argument of nature vs. nurture arises is when a person achieves a high level of academic success . Did they do so because they are genetically predisposed to elevated levels of intelligence, or is their success a result of an enriched environment?

The argument of nature vs. nurture can also be made when it comes to why a person behaves in a certain way. If a man abuses his wife and kids, for instance, is it because he was born with violent tendencies, or is violence something he learned by observing others in his life when growing up?

Nature vs. Nurture in Psychology

Throughout the history of psychology , the debate of nature vs. nurture has continued to stir up controversy. Eugenics, for example, was a movement heavily influenced by the nativist approach.

Psychologist Francis Galton coined the terms 'nature versus nurture' and 'eugenics' and believed that intelligence resulted from genetics. Galton also felt that intelligent individuals should be encouraged to marry and have many children, while less intelligent individuals should be discouraged from reproducing.

The value placed on nature vs. nurture can even vary between the different branches of psychology , with some branches taking a more one-sided approach. In biopsychology , for example, researchers conduct studies exploring how neurotransmitters influence behavior, emphasizing the role of nature.

In social psychology , on the other hand, researchers might conduct studies looking at how external factors such as peer pressure and social media influence behaviors, stressing the importance of nurture. Behaviorism is another branch that focuses on the impact of the environment on behavior.

Nature vs. Nurture in Child Development

Some psychological theories of child development place more emphasis on nature and others focus more on nurture. An example of a nativist theory involving child development is Chomsky's concept of a language acquisition device (LAD). According to this theory, all children are born with an instinctive mental capacity that allows them to both learn and produce language.

An example of an empiricist child development theory is Albert Bandura's social learning theory . This theory says that people learn by observing the behavior of others. In his famous Bobo doll experiment , Bandura demonstrated that children could learn aggressive behaviors simply by observing another person acting aggressively.

Nature vs. Nurture in Personality Development

There is also some argument as to whether nature or nurture plays a bigger role in the development of one's personality. The answer to this question varies depending on which personality development theory you use.

According to behavioral theories, our personality is a result of the interactions we have with our environment, while biological theories suggest that personality is largely inherited. Then there are psychodynamic theories of personality that emphasize the impact of both.

Nature vs. Nurture in Mental Illness Development

One could argue that either nature or nurture contributes to mental health development. Some causes of mental illness fall on the nature side of the debate, including changes to or imbalances with chemicals in the brain. Genetics can also contribute to mental illness development, increasing one's risk of a certain disorder or disease.

Mental disorders with some type of genetic component include autism , attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder , major depression , and schizophrenia .

Other explanations for mental illness are environmental. This includes being exposed to environmental toxins, such as drugs or alcohol, while still in utero. Certain life experiences can also influence mental illness development, such as witnessing a traumatic event, leading to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Nature vs. Nurture in Mental Health Therapy

Different types of mental health treatment can also rely more heavily on either nature or nurture in their treatment approach. One of the goals of many types of therapy is to uncover any life experiences that may have contributed to mental illness development (nurture).

However, genetics (nature) can play a role in treatment as well. For instance, research indicates that a person's genetic makeup can impact how their body responds to antidepressants. Taking this into consideration is important for getting that person the help they need.

Interaction Between Nature and Nurture

Which is stronger: nature or nurture? Many researchers consider the interaction between heredity and environment—nature with nurture as opposed to nature versus nurture—to be the most important influencing factor of all.

For example, perfect pitch is the ability to detect the pitch of a musical tone without any reference. Researchers have found that this ability tends to run in families and might be tied to a single gene. However, they've also discovered that possessing the gene is not enough as musical training during early childhood is needed for this inherited ability to manifest itself.

Height is another example of a trait influenced by an interaction between nature and nurture. A child might inherit the genes for height. However, if they grow up in a deprived environment where proper nourishment isn't received, they might never attain the height they could have had if they'd grown up in a healthier environment.

A newer field of study that aims to learn more about the interaction between genes and environment is epigenetics . Epigenetics seeks to explain how environment can impact the way in which genes are expressed.

Some characteristics are biologically determined, such as eye color, hair color, and skin color. Other things, like life expectancy and height, have a strong biological component but are also influenced by environmental factors and lifestyle.

Contemporary Views of Nature vs. Nurture

Most experts recognize that neither nature nor nurture is stronger than the other. Instead, both factors play a critical role in who we are and who we become. Not only that but nature and nurture interact with each other in important ways all throughout our lifespan.

As a result, many in this field are interested in seeing how genes modulate environmental influences and vice versa. At the same time, this debate of nature vs. nurture still rages on in some areas, such as in the origins of homosexuality and influences on intelligence .

While a few people take the extreme nativist or radical empiricist approach, the reality is that there is not a simple way to disentangle the multitude of forces that exist in personality and human development. Instead, these influences include genetic factors, environmental factors, and how each intermingles with the other.

Schoneberger T. Three myths from the language acquisition literature . Anal Verbal Behav . 2010;26(1):107-31. doi:10.1007/bf03393086

National Institutes of Health. Common genetic factors found in 5 mental disorders .

Pain O, Hodgson K, Trubetskoy V, et al. Identifying the common genetic basis of antidepressant response . Biol Psychiatry Global Open Sci . 2022;2(2):115-126. doi:10.1016/j.bpsgos.2021.07.008

Moulton C. Perfect pitch reconsidered . Clin Med J . 2014;14(5):517-9 doi:10.7861/clinmedicine.14-5-517

Levitt M. Perceptions of nature, nurture and behaviour . Life Sci Soc Policy . 2013;9:13. doi:10.1186/2195-7819-9-13

Bandura A, Ross D, Ross, SA. Transmission of aggression through the imitation of aggressive models . J Abnorm Soc Psychol. 1961;63(3):575-582. doi:10.1037/h0045925

Chomsky N. Aspects of the Theory of Syntax .

Galton F. Inquiries into Human Faculty and Its Development .

Watson JB. Behaviorism .

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

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• Nature vs Nurture Essay Debate

A guide to writing a nature VS. nurture debate essay

Table of contents, the nature vs. nurture debate, interaction of nature and nurture, topics of nature vs. nurture debate, writing nature vs. nurture debate essay, examples of nature vs. nurture debate.

What makes a man? Is it nature or nurture? Well, the different answers to the question have fueled a constant discussion for centuries. The problem, however, seems to be like a deep, dark abyss, an insatiable monster that hasn’t yet grown sufficient with the answers that scientists, philosophers, and scholars supply. Since it was perceived, the nature vs nurture debate has baffled the scholars and laypeople alike, leading to ideological conundrums rather than pinnacles of insight.

“Nature,” in the debate, refers to the impact on human character/ traits by genetic predispositions. “Nurture” refers to the effect of the experiences of a person and their environment on their character and behavior.

So, what primarily drives the growth in a person’s weaknesses, strengths, sexual preferences, behavioral tendencies, and personality?

The genetic coding determines most of the physical attributes such as height, eye color, skin complexion, hair color, and other traits in humans. It, however, remains unknowт to anyone whether abstract characteristics such as intelligence, sexual orientation, personality, likes, and dislikes have any links with the genetic coding too. This dispute has had significant social implications, especially concerning what is thought to determine a person’s ability to learn (intelligence).

The nurture theory postulates that , although genetic influence over abstract traits may exist, the experiences and environmental factors are the linchpins for behavioral development . In Locke’s philosophy, he theorizes that a child is a tabula rasa  (blank slate) and can be conditioned to induce a new behavior or alter an undesirable behavior that the child depicts. Although fraternal twins raised together have remarkable similarities in most respects, still the effects of the environment have led to several differences in how they behave.

Many scientists avoid the nature vs. nurture debate, emphasizing “nature x nurture.” This means that nature and nurture are inseparable . They exist together with no clear line of separation between the two. Some genes, for example, cannot be activated without certain environmental conditions. The development of vision is an excellent exemplar for this. 

One cannot develop regular sight without exposure to visual stimuli. Similarly, some genes may undermine some environmental inputs. For example, one may not be affected by smoking-related problems despite being life-long smokers. It may be partly due to their genes. Although some things are genetic related, the environment also affects the way one behaves. 

In the end, we remain with a confounding problem: Are we born with these character traits, or do we behave following our life experiences and the environment?

Currently, we know that both nature and nurture play crucial roles in human development, but we have not known yet figured out whether we are developed primarily because of nature or due to nurture. The nature vs. nurture debate ceaselessly continues, but still, it is a fact that we have traits that are predetermined by our genes. We, however, can choose the path we want to take as we travel through our lifetime.

One of the most controversial issues against the nature theory is that there may exist a “gay gene.” A gene that predetermines a person’s sexual propensity is implied to be in humans according to the theory. It could explain that it is why gays are born like that. If we are to stick to the nature theory, then criminal acts can be justified as a cause of the genetic coding of behavioral tendencies.

On the other hand, the “behavioral genes” can be somewhat proven to exist when we survey fraternal twins. When you bring up fraternal twins apart from each other, they show similarities in behavior and response as if they have been raised together.

Though the debate includes several points of view, there are some nature vs nurture debate topics that come up more often when the debate between nature and nurture rages on among scholars. Writing and choosing a topic for a nature and nurture essay can be tough but there always an option to use write my paper services to get your paper done.

Some of those topics include:

• Sexual orientation and proclivity
• Intelligence
• Behavioral tendencies
• Skills and talents
• Physical and mental well being
• Is intelligence in humans inherent or a developed trait?
• What determines our sexual proclivities: is there a gay gene?
• What drives the actions of a crime doer?
• Is it possible that none of the talents are inherent?
• How nurture affects our physical health?
• How nature affects our mental health?

The nature vs. nurture debate is quite a long one. And with it being the issue that is most controversial and most disagreed on among psychologists, it has grown rather broad since its inception. Some of the nature vs nurture essay topics could be quite controversial and thought-provoking .

After selecting an engorging and engaging topic that you can handle, conduct extensive research on it. Come up with facts that support nature and those that support nurture in your nature vs nurture essay. Put together the points that seem to be similar in both. You can employ the use of a Venn diagram to present the data collected after extensive research accurately. 

Use the data collected to come up with the main focus of your essay. This will be your nature vs nurture essay thesis. This statement shows the main objective of your paper. It encapsulates whatever you want to convey to the reader. Choose the correct nature vs nurture essay outline while writing to ensure you tackle both sides adequately.

Begin with a catchy introduction. The first paragraph the interest of the reader on the whole essay. It should, therefore, be intriguing and make use of different or controversial points of view. Expound a bit on the topic to be discussed before getting to the ending. Use the last sentence or two to state your thesis statement.

Use the main body to write compelling paragraphs that show how nature and nurture, individually or collectively, affect the subject. The sections should all be of equal weights and contain a maximum of three evidence outlines to support your main points. Your nature vs nurture essay conclusion should restate the thesis statement and stand on the matter.

After completing the essay, read through to ensure your points flow coherently from one to the other. Edit it for any grammatical errors and come up with the final draft if you are satisfied with the edits and the message.

The internet is a vast repertoire that contains in-depth and extensive nature vs nurture essay examples. Seek information that is relevant to your topic to gain some insight and facts. 

External links

• nature vs nurture debate - YouTube . (n.d.). Www.Youtube.Com. Retrieved February 19, 2020, from https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=nature+vs+nurture+debate
• What is a Venn Diagram . (n.d.). Lucidchart. Retrieved February 19, 2020, from https://www.lucidchart.com/pages/tutorial/venn-diagram

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21 Nature vs Nurture Examples

Viktoriya Sus (MA)

Viktoriya Sus is an academic writer specializing mainly in economics and business from Ukraine. She holds a Master’s degree in International Business from Lviv National University and has more than 6 years of experience writing for different clients. Viktoriya is passionate about researching the latest trends in economics and business. However, she also loves to explore different topics such as psychology, philosophy, and more.

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The nature vs. nurture debate is the long-standing argument over whether heredity (nature) or environment (nurture) plays a greater role in developing human characteristics and behaviors. 

Nature refers to the biological characteristics we are born with, including genetic predispositions toward certain traits. In contrast, nurture includes external influences that shape us, such as culture, relationships, and everyday experiences.

For example, when it comes to personality development, some people believe that genetics play a stronger role than environmental factors; this would be considered a nature-focused perspective. 

Others may view the environment as more important. In this case, a nurturing upbringing could help individuals develop their personalities. Therefore, both sides can have valid arguments for their respective positions in the debate.

The Nature Perspective

In the context of the nature vs. nurture debate, nature refers to biological heredity and genetic predispositions inherited by individuals from their parents at birth. 

Buheji (2018) states that:

“in the “nature vs. nurture” debate, nature refers to an individual’s innate qualities (nativism)” (p. 221).

This includes physical characteristics such as eye color, facial features, personality traits, and behavioral tendencies.

Genes determine the unique physical characteristics of each individual while also influencing psychological and social behavior.

Some research implies that roughly 50% of an individual’s personality and disposition are pre-determined by genetics (Bouchard & Loehlin, 2001).

However, Krueger and colleagues (2008) state that the interplay between gene-environment interactions has a consequential effect on one’s character traits. Hence, the heritability of personality isn’t always precisely 50%.

So, nature is the hereditary and genetic characteristics pre-determined at birth and influence a person’s behavior.

The Nurture Perspective

Nurture, in the context of the nature vs. nurture debate, is used to describe environmental factors that influence an individual’s development. 

According to Coon and Mitterer (2014), nurture:

“…refers to the sum of all external conditions that affect a person” (p. 100).

This includes a variety of influences such as parenting style, educational experiences, cultural background, and exposure to different environmental conditions over time.

While “nurture” may naturally invoke ideas of childhood and parental care, environmental components and life experience can shape human mental, emotional, and physical health throughout their lives (Harsha et al., 2020).

For example, lifestyle choices have been found to impact a person’s risk for developing certain diseases and their level of immunity against illness. 

Furthermore, addiction susceptibility can be impacted by environmental factors such as peer group that has been observed throughout an individual’s life (Ducci & Goldman, 2012).

Simply, nurture is an umbrella term for any environmental influences that shape the development of a person’s mental, physical, and emotional health. 

Examples of Nature vs Nurture

Nature examples.

• Eye color : A person’s eye color is determined by their genetic makeup and inherited from their parents.
• Height : As with eye color, height is a physical trait that is determined by a person’s genes and largely determines an individual’s adult height.
• Risk of D iseases : A person’s risk for developing certain diseases can be partially attributed to their genetic predisposition for that illness and influenced by lifestyle factors and personal environment.
• Immune S ystem F unctionality : Genetic predisposition plays an important role in determining an individual’s resistance to disease through the strength of their immune system. However, lifestyle choices can also influence this trait over time (e.g., diet and exercise).
• Hair Color: Hair color is determined by genetic factors. Recessive genes, like the red hair gene, generally have to be present in both parents for the recessive gene to become dominant.
• Balding: Going bald is an inherited trait. Some groups – such as male British Anglo-Saxons – are more likely to go bald in their 30s than the average.
• Adrenaline response : An individual’s ability to react quickly in dangerous situations—their “fight or flight” response—tends to be innate in all of us.

Nurture Examples

• Ethics and Parenting style : An individual’s upbringing and the parenting style they are exposed to can shape their behavior, emotional reactions, and psychological outlook throughout life.
• Linguistic Determinism Theory : In this theory, the language we are taught as a child will determine the ways we think and interact with the world. It goes some way to explaining how people of differing language groups may have differing values and belief systems .
• Values and Cultural background : Depending on their cultural background, different individuals may be exposed to different values and belief systems, which can impact their attitudes toward certain issues or topics/ideas/beliefs.
• Anxiety and Exposure to T rauma : Experiences with violence or traumatic events can have long-term effects on an individual’s psychology which could manifest outwardly as symptoms of anxiety or difficulty coping under pressure in later stages of life.
• Positivity and Social E nvironment : The people an individual interacts with can either positively or negatively affect their development. Individuals need to surround themselves with positive influences while avoiding those that might lead them down the wrong path in life.
• Relationship E xperiences and Sense of Security : Positive relationships throughout a person’s life will tend to improve outlook and well-being. In contrast, unhealthy relationships could leave long-term psychological damage that might need professional help before it can be addressed adequately by an individual suffering firsthand.

Nature and Nurture Examples

• Personality traits: The role of genetics (nature) in determining personality traits, such as extraversion or conscientiousness is balanced against the influence of upbringing and life experiences (nurture).
• Aggression: There is debate over whether aggressive behavior is primarily influenced by genetic factors (nature) or by environmental factors, such as upbringing, social learning , and exposure to violence (nurture).
• Athletic ability: The role of genetics (nature) determines a lot of our natural talent in sports but the importance of training, motivation, and exposure to physical activity (nurture) takes us the rest of the way.
• Musical talent: Musical ability may be affected by genetic predisposition (nature) but also environmental factors, such as exposure to music at a young age, education, and practice (nurture).
• Attachment styles: It is debatable whether a person’s attachment style (secure, anxious, or avoidant) is impacted by genetics (nature) versus the influence of early childhood experiences and caregiver relationships (nurture).
• Empathy and emotional intelligence: The capacity for empathy and emotional intelligence is debatably determined by both genetics (nature) and the result of upbringing, social exposure, and life experiences (nurture).
• Spiritual beliefs: Theological determinism holds that god has pre-selected his chosen people who will be true believers (nature) while others think that belief in god is a choice and we must raise our children to maintain a belief in god (nurture).
• Learning styles: In the 1980s, there was extensive debate over whether preferred learning styles, such as visual, auditory, or kinesthetic, are determined by genetic factors (nature) or influenced by educational experiences and personal development (nurture). Today, most education theorists believe that learning preferences are based on nurture over nature.
• Addiction susceptibility : Scientists have identified genes related to addiction susceptibility, even though this trait is also heavily influenced by the environment (Ducci & Goldman, 2012).
• Intelligence : Education can significantly impact traits such as intelligence levels and knowledge base, with certain experiences inspiring curiosity or creativity in individuals later in life.

Origins of Nature vs. Nurture Debate

The debate surrounding the extent to which human development is influenced by nature (heredity) or nurture (environmental factors) has been around since ancient times.

Plato, the renowned Greek philosopher, argued that beneficial traits in humans were attributable to both nature and nurture. He believed people could adapt to external occurrences throughout their lifetime (Englander, 2010).

However, his mentor Socrates leaned more towards genetics as the primary factor of human development – a notion known as Nativism, which was coined by both philosophers together.

In the late 1800s, Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution and Sir Francis Galton’s article “Hereditary Talent and Character” sparked a resurgence in interest in this topic (Galton, 1865)

So, Galton (1865) suggested hereditary influences to be at least as important as the environment when determining an individual’s outcomes in life.

The debate continued through subsequent decades, with psychologist John B. Watson’s revolutionary suggestion that environment—what he called “nurture”—was more important than hereditary factors or biology (Herrnstein, 1998).

In recent years, researchers have realized that both internal (genetic) and external (environmental) factors play a role in how individuals develop physically and psychologically. 

As such, most experts now subscribe to an approach that looks at how both genetic inheritance and environmental influences work together throughout life to shape each person’s unique character traits and behaviors.

The Role of Epigenetics in the Nature vs. Nurture Debate

Epigenetics is the study of changes in gene expression caused by environmental factors, such as diet and exposure to toxins, without altering the underlying sequences of DNA .

It is an emerging field of research that has been gaining prominence in recent years as scientists try to uncover how and to what extent the environment can shape genetic expression (Harvard University, 2019).

Epigenetic influences are now considered a significant factor in the nature vs. nurture debate, particularly in how individuals develop physically and psychologically throughout life. 

Evidence suggests that epigenetic mechanisms can be used to modulate gene expression depending on the environment, thus having a direct influence on an individual’s characteristics and behaviors (Harvard University, 2019).

This means that while both genetics and environment may play a role in determining an individual’s outcomes in life, epigenetics provides an additional layer of complexity by allowing environmental factors to interact with gene expression.

Nature vs. nurture is a decades-old debate that continues to be studied in various fields. 

Nativists state that genetics play a major role in determining characteristics and behaviors. For example, a person may have inherited certain traits from their family. 

However, empiricists suggest that external factors, such as upbringing and lifestyle choices, can also have a significant influence.

From ancient philosophers to modern-day scientists, this debate has gone through various iterations and continues to evolve today with the introduction of epigenetics. 

More recently, epigenetics have emerged as a key factor in the debate. Its  mechanisms can be used to modulate gene expression depending on the environment, thus having a direct influence on an individual.

So, it appears that both nature and nurture are important factors in determining an individual’s outcomes in life. 

Bouchard, T. J., & Loehlin, J. C. (2001). Genes, evolution, and personality.  Behavior Genetics ,  31 (3), 243–273. https://doi.org/10.1023/a:1012294324713

Buheji, M. (2018).  Understanding the power of resilience economy . Mohamed Buheji.

Coon, D., & Mitterer, J. O. (2014).  Psychology: A journey . Wadsworth/Cengage Learning.

Ducci, F., & Goldman, D. (2012). The genetic basis of addictive disorders.  Psychiatric Clinics of North America ,  35 (2), 495–519. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psc.2012.03.010

Englander, M. (2010).  The nature and nurture of learners . AuthorHouse.

Galton, F. (1865).  Hereditary talent and character . University of Bristol Library.

Harsha, N., Ziq, L., Lynch, M. A., & Giacaman, R. (2020). Assessment of parental nurturing and associated social, economic, and political factors among children in the West Bank of the occupied Palestinian territory.  BMC Pediatrics ,  20 (1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-020-02317-0

Harvard University. (2019).  What is epigenetics? The answer to the nature vs. nurture debate . Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University; Harvard University. https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/what-is-epigenetics-and-how-does-it-relate-to-child-development/

Herrnstein, R. J. (1998). Nature as nurture: Behaviorism and the instinct doctrine.  Behavior and Philosophy ,  26 (1/2), 73–107. https://www.jstor.org/stable/27759383

Krueger, R. F., South, S., Johnson, W., & Iacono, W. (2008). The heritability of personality is not always 50%: Gene-environment interactions and correlations between personality and parenting.  Journal of Personality ,  76 (6), 1485–1522. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-6494.2008.00529.x

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Essay Sample: Nature Versus Nurture

26 March, 2020

7 minutes read

Author:  Kate Smith

This sample is a great example of the compare and contrast essay writing. It presents two points of view on what influences the development of a personality the most - genetics or environmental factors. Don't hesitate to read it to see what such a type of essay should look like when written professionally!

Nature and nurture is a hotly contested argument concerning what influences the behavior and personality attributes of individuals. Nature is entirely dependent on the genetic combination of an individual which dictates their character and appearance. On the other hand, nurture is dependent on the environmental factors that an individual gets exposed to which end up shaping his or her personality. Nature and nurture influence individuals to a certain extent because individuals get exposed to both of them in one way or the other dictating their development process.

Nature principle holds that biological characteristics of individuals get inherited from the genetic makeup in their lineage. Character traits such as height, weight, vulnerability to certain illnesses and skin complexion are inherited and determined by the genetic combination of individuals. Such biological combination is usually similar amongst individuals who are blood relatives, and for this reason, they tend to have almost a uniform genetic combination. Moreover, other behavioral, mental and personality attributes are also a reflection of our genetic makeup and usually inherited from individuals’ close blood relatives (Kong et al. 2018). Through the traits, it is easier to identify closely related individuals just by looking at their appearance and conduct.

Besides, specific characteristics do not become evident during birth, and when a person reaches a certain age, for instance, during puberty, that is when the hidden attributes begin showing up. The biological clock guides such characteristics, and when the right time comes, the physical and behavioral attributes mature and become conspicuous. Such traits get programmed in a way that for them to grow visible, they will take a certain period to develop. Moreover, they are also dependent on other biological factors within our bodies for them to manifest. However, the traits still maintain the genetic combination and the similarity of a specific lineage.

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On the contrary, through nurture, an individual acquires specific attributes from the environment that surrounds them. When a child is born, for instance, its mind is black and empty. It is through its interaction with the surrounding and the people around it that will make the infant acquire some of their traits through learning, observation and aping their conducts. In other words, nurturing is dependent on the environment, experience, and learning as the individual interacts with the environment with time (Vazsonyi, Roberts, Huang & Vaughn, 2015). The way an individual was nurtured or brought up will influence their aspect of child development. Maturation will only affect biological development. The environment plays a vital role in the development process.

Similarly, the type of relationships also plays a crucial role in the nurturing, especially during child development. For instance, an infant develops an emotional attachment to its parents because of the love and affection it receives. Moreover, children who are given proper care and affection will reciprocate the same while growing up. On the contrary, infants who receive harsh treatment from their parents will develop withdrawal symptoms while growing up. Also, the infants also try and learn how and what to talk by studying the speech of those around them. The cognitive development comes from the exposer that the infant receives and conditions surrounding it.

Correspondingly, certain traits are acquired based on what an individual went through. Children who got abused or molested when growing up develop specific antisocial characteristics, for instance, being high tempered, harsh and develops particular disorders. For example, bipolar disorders manifest because an individual underwent harsh treatment which affects their psychological stability after that. Some of them become abusers and molesters in their future relationships as a way of imitating and justifying what they experienced while growing up. Imitation is a way of implementing what the individual has learned during the nurturing process by putting the lessons into practice.

Striking a Balance

However, after careful analysis, psychologists have discovered that both nature and nurture are responsible for the development of an individual. Both factors interact with each other and play a crucial role in shaping up the conduct of an individual (Lux, 2014). For example, in psychopathology, it is argued that both hereditary factors and environmental conditions contribute to the development of mental disorders in individuals. The biological combinations of people closely interact with the socio-cultural set up surrounding them. Individuals are now left to make their own choices in dictating what is suitable for them and what should be left out. Nature and nurture complement each other in shaping an individual.

Conclusively, nature and nurture are broiling discussion, and both sides have valid points to justify their stands. Nature is purely based on the fact that genetic makeup influence how an individual behaves and thinks. Similarly, the natives hold that genetic factors dictate factors such as the appearance, particular illness, and intelligence levels. On the contrary, individuals who believe in nurturing hold that environmental factors are majorly involved in the development process of individuals. Children acquire traits through learning from the people surrounding them and will try to imitate the behavior after that. However, psychologists are trying their level best to strike a balance between the two school of thoughts since both sides hold valid arguments, but both nurture and nature interact with each other during the development process. Nature and nurture cannot get treated in isolation.

Lux, V. (2014). Nature and nurture.  Encyclopedia of Critical Psychology , 1225-1231.

Kong, A., Thorleifsson, G., Frigge, M. L., Vilhjalmsson, B. J., Young, A. I., Thorgeirsson, T. E., … & Gudbjartsson, D. F. (2018). The nature of nurture: Effects of parental genotypes.  Science ,  359 (6374), 424-428.

Vazsonyi, A. T., Roberts, J. W., Huang, L., & Vaughn, M. G. (2015). Why focusing on nurture made and still makes sense: The biosocial development of self-control.  The Routledge international handbook of biosocial criminology , 263-280.

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What Are Nature vs. Nurture Examples?

How is nature defined, how is nurture defined, the nature vs. nurture debate, nature vs. nurture examples, what is empiricism (extreme nurture position), contemporary views of nature vs. nurture.

Nature vs. nurture is an age-old debate about whether genetics (nature) plays a bigger role in determining a person's characteristics than lived experience and environmental factors (nurture). The term "nature vs. nature" was coined by English naturalist Charles Darwin's younger half-cousin, anthropologist Francis Galton, around 1875.

In psychology, the extreme nature position (nativism) proposes that intelligence and personality traits are inherited and determined only by genetics.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, the extreme nurture position (empiricism) asserts that the mind is a blank slate at birth; external factors like education and upbringing determine who someone becomes in adulthood and how their mind works. Both of these extreme positions have shortcomings and are antiquated.

This article explores the difference between nature and nurture. It gives nature vs. nurture examples and explains why outdated views of nativism and empiricism don't jibe with contemporary views. 

Thanasis Zovoilis / Getty Images

In the context of nature vs. nurture, "nature" refers to genetics and heritable factors that are passed down to children from their biological parents.

Genes and hereditary factors determine many aspects of someone’s physical appearance and other individual characteristics, such as a genetically inherited predisposition for certain personality traits.

Scientists estimate that 20% to 60% percent of temperament is determined by genetics and that many (possibly thousands) of common gene variations combine to influence individual characteristics of temperament.

However, the impact of gene-environment (or nature-nurture) interactions on someone's traits is interwoven. Environmental factors also play a role in temperament by influencing gene activity. For example, in children raised in an adverse environment (such as child abuse or violence), genes that increase the risk of impulsive temperamental characteristics may be activated (turned on).

Trying to measure "nature vs. nurture" scientifically is challenging. It's impossible to know precisely where the influence of genes and environment begin or end.

How Are Inherited Traits Measured?

“Heritability”   describes the influence that genes have on human characteristics and traits. It's measured on a scale of 0.0 to 1.0. Very strong heritable traits like someone's eye color are ranked a 1.0.

Traits that have nothing to do with genetics, like speaking with a regional accent ranks a zero. Most human characteristics score between a 0.30 and 0.60 on the heritability scale, which reflects a blend of genetics (nature) and environmental (nurture) factors.

Thousands of years ago, ancient Greek philosophers like Plato believed that "innate knowledge" is present in our minds at birth. Every parent knows that babies are born with innate characteristics. Anecdotally, it may seem like a kid's "Big 5" personality traits (agreeableness, conscientiousness, extraversion, neuroticism, and openness) were predetermined before birth.

What is the "Big 5" personality traits

The Big 5 personality traits is a theory that describes the five basic dimensions of personality. It was developed in 1949 by D. W. Fiske and later expanded upon by other researchers and is used as a framework to study people's behavior.

From a "nature" perspective, the fact that every child has innate traits at birth supports Plato's philosophical ideas about innatism. However, personality isn't set in stone. Environmental "nurture" factors can change someone's predominant personality traits over time. For example, exposure to the chemical lead during childhood may alter personality.

In 2014, a meta-analysis of genetic and environmental influences on personality development across the human lifespan found that people change with age. Personality traits are relatively stable during early childhood but often change dramatically during adolescence and young adulthood.

It's impossible to know exactly how much "nurture" changes personality as people get older. In 2019, a study of how stable personality traits are from age 16 to 66 found that people's Big 5 traits are both stable and malleable (able to be molded). During the 50-year span from high school to retirement, some traits like agreeableness and conscientiousness tend to increase, while others appear to be set in stone.

Nurture refers to all of the external or environmental factors that affect human development such as how someone is raised, socioeconomic status, early childhood experiences, education, and daily habits.

Although the word "nurture" may conjure up images of babies and young children being cared for by loving parents, environmental factors and life experiences have an impact on our psychological and physical well-being across the human life span. In adulthood, "nurturing" oneself by making healthy lifestyle choices can offset certain genetic predispositions.

For example, a May 2022 study found that people with a high genetic risk of developing the brain disorder Alzheimer's disease can lower their odds of developing dementia (a group of symptoms that affect memory, thinking, and social abilities enough to affect daily life) by adopting these seven healthy habits in midlife:

• Staying active
• Healthy eating
• Losing weight
• Not smoking
• Reducing blood sugar
• Controlling cholesterol
• Maintaining healthy blood pressure

The nature vs. nurture debate centers around whether individual differences in behavioral traits and personality are caused primarily by nature or nurture. Early philosophers believed the genetic traits passed from parents to their children influence individual differences and traits. Other well-known philosophers believed the mind begins as a blank slate and that everything we are is determined by our experiences.

While early theories favored one factor over the other, experts today recognize there is a complex interaction between genetics and the environment and that both nature and nurture play a critical role in shaping who we are.

Eye color and skin pigmentation are examples of "nature" because they are present at birth and determined by inherited genes. Developmental delays due to toxins (such as exposure to lead as a child or exposure to drugs in utero) are examples of "nurture" because the environment can negatively impact learning and intelligence.

In Child Development

The nature vs. nurture debate in child development is apparent when studying language development. Nature theorists believe genetics plays a significant role in language development and that children are born with an instinctive ability that allows them to both learn and produce language.

Nurture theorists would argue that language develops by listening and imitating adults and other children.

In addition, nurture theorists believe people learn by observing the behavior of others. For example, contemporary psychologist Albert Bandura's social learning theory suggests that aggression is learned through observation and imitation.

In Psychology

In psychology, the nature vs. nurture beliefs vary depending on the branch of psychology.

• Biopsychology:  Researchers analyze how the brain, neurotransmitters, and other aspects of our biology influence our behaviors, thoughts, and feelings. emphasizing the role of nature.
• Social psychology: Researchers study how external factors such as peer pressure and social media influence behaviors, emphasizing the importance of nurture.
• Behaviorism: This theory of learning is based on the idea that our actions are shaped by our interactions with our environment.

In Personality Development

Whether nature or nurture plays a bigger role in personality development depends on different personality development theories.

• Behavioral theories: Our personality is a result of the interactions we have with our environment, such as parenting styles, cultural influences, and life experiences.
• Biological theories: Personality is mostly inherited which is demonstrated by a study in the 1990s that concluded identical twins reared apart tend to have more similar personalities than fraternal twins.
• Psychodynamic theories: Personality development involves both genetic predispositions and environmental factors and their interaction is complex.

In Mental Illness

Both nature and nurture can contribute to mental illness development.

For example, at least five mental health disorders are associated with some type of genetic component ( autism ,  attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) ,  bipolar disorder , major depression, and  schizophrenia ).

Other explanations for mental illness are environmental, such as:

• Being exposed to drugs or alcohol in utero 
• Witnessing a traumatic event, leading to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Adverse life events and chronic stress during childhood

In Mental Health Therapy

Mental health treatment can involve both nature and nurture. For example, a therapist may explore life experiences that may have contributed to mental illness development (nurture) as well as family history of mental illness (nature).

At the same time, research indicates that a person's genetic makeup may impact how their body responds to antidepressants. Taking this into consideration is important for finding the right treatment for each individual.

 What Is Nativism (Extreme Nature Position)?

Innatism emphasizes nature's role in shaping our minds and personality traits before birth. Nativism takes this one step further and proposes that all of people's mental and physical characteristics are inherited and predetermined at birth.

In its extreme form, concepts of nativism gave way to the early 20th century's racially-biased eugenics movement. Thankfully, "selective breeding," which is the idea that only certain people should reproduce in order to create chosen characteristics in offspring, and eugenics, arranged breeding, lost momentum during World War II. At that time, the Nazis' ethnic cleansing (killing people based on their ethnic or religious associations) atrocities were exposed.

Philosopher John Locke's tabula rasa theory from 1689 directly opposes the idea that we are born with innate knowledge. "Tabula rasa" means "blank slate" and implies that our minds do not have innate knowledge at birth.

Locke was an empiricist who believed that all the knowledge we gain in life comes from sensory experiences (using their senses to understand the world), education, and day-to-day encounters after being born.

Today, looking at nature vs. nature in black-and-white terms is considered a misguided dichotomy (two-part system). There are so many shades of gray where nature and nurture overlap. It's impossible to tease out how inherited traits and learned behaviors shape someone's unique characteristics or influence how their mind works.

The influences of nature and nurture in psychology are impossible to unravel. For example, imagine someone growing up in a household with an alcoholic parent who has frequent rage attacks. If that child goes on to develop a substance use disorder and has trouble with emotion regulation in adulthood, it's impossible to know precisely how much genetics (nature) or adverse childhood experiences (nurture) affected that individual's personality traits or issues with alcoholism.

Epigenetics Blurs the Line Between Nature and Nurture

"Epigenetics " means "on top of" genetics. It refers to external factors and experiences that turn genes "on" or "off." Epigenetic mechanisms alter DNA's physical structure in utero (in the womb) and across the human lifespan.

Epigenetics blurs the line between nature and nurture because it says that even after birth, our genetic material isn't set in stone; environmental factors can modify genes during one's lifetime. For example, cannabis exposure during critical windows of development can increase someone's risk of neuropsychiatric disease via epigenetic mechanisms.

Nature vs. nurture is a framework used to examine how genetics (nature) and environmental factors (nurture) influence human development and personality traits.

However, nature vs. nurture isn't a black-and-white issue; there are many shades of gray where the influence of nature and nurture overlap. It's impossible to disentangle how nature and nurture overlap; they are inextricably intertwined. In most cases, nature and nurture combine to make us who we are. 

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By Christopher Bergland Bergland is a retired ultra-endurance athlete turned medical writer and science reporter. He is based in Massachusetts.

Nature vs. Nurture in Human Behavior: Unraveling the Complex Interplay

From the fierce battle between genes and upbringing emerges the captivating enigma of human behavior, an intricate tapestry woven by the threads of both nature and nurture. This age-old debate has captivated scientists, philosophers, and curious minds for centuries, sparking heated discussions and groundbreaking research. But what exactly do we mean when we talk about nature and nurture?

Nature, in this context, refers to the genetic inheritance we receive from our parents – the blueprint of our biological makeup. It’s the raw material that shapes our physical characteristics, predispositions, and potential talents. Nurture, on the other hand, encompasses the environmental factors that mold us throughout our lives – from the family we grow up in to the society we inhabit, and every experience in between.

The nature versus nurture debate has a rich historical context, dating back to ancient Greek philosophers pondering the origins of human behavior. However, it wasn’t until the 19th century that the debate gained scientific traction, with Francis Galton coining the term “nature versus nurture” in 1869. Since then, the pendulum of popular opinion has swung back and forth between these two forces, with each generation of researchers adding new layers of complexity to our understanding.

Understanding human behavior is not just an academic pursuit – it’s a key that unlocks doors to improving our lives, relationships, and societies. By unraveling the intricate dance between our genes and our environments, we can develop more effective strategies for education, mental health treatment, and even crime prevention. It’s a quest that touches every aspect of our existence, from the most personal choices to the broadest societal trends.

The Genetic Blueprint: Nature’s Role in Shaping Behavior

Let’s dive into the fascinating world of genetic influences on human behavior. Our genes, those microscopic strands of DNA, play a surprisingly significant role in shaping who we are and how we behave. It’s like having a secret recipe book handed down through generations, influencing everything from our personality traits to our mental health.

Take personality traits, for instance. Research has shown that characteristics like extraversion, neuroticism, and openness to experience have a heritable component. It’s not that there’s a single “extrovert gene,” but rather a complex interplay of genetic factors that predispose us to certain traits. This doesn’t mean our personalities are set in stone from birth, but it does suggest that we may have innate tendencies that shape our interactions with the world.

Mental health is another area where genetics cast a long shadow. Conditions like depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia often run in families, suggesting a genetic component. But here’s where it gets interesting: having a genetic predisposition doesn’t guarantee you’ll develop a mental health condition. It’s more like having a loaded gun – environmental factors often pull the trigger.

DNA Behavior: Unraveling the Genetic Influence on Human Conduct has been a hot topic in scientific circles, with researchers digging deeper into the genetic roots of our actions. One of the most powerful tools in this quest has been twin studies. By comparing identical twins (who share 100% of their DNA) with fraternal twins (who share about 50%), scientists can tease apart the relative contributions of genes and environment to various behaviors.

These studies have yielded some fascinating insights. For example, they’ve shown that traits like intelligence and personality have a significant genetic component, while others, like political beliefs, are more heavily influenced by environment. But even here, the story isn’t simple. Recent research in epigenetics – the study of how genes can be turned on or off by environmental factors – has shown that our experiences can actually change how our genes are expressed.

Imagine your genome as a vast library. Epigenetics is like a librarian, deciding which books (genes) to pull off the shelf and read at any given time. Stress, diet, and even social interactions can influence this process, showing that even at the most fundamental level, nature and nurture are inextricably linked.

The Power of Environment: Nurture’s Influence on Behavior

Now, let’s shift our focus to the other side of the coin – the environmental factors that shape our behavior. Nurture’s Impact on Human Behavior: Exploring Environmental Influences is a vast and complex topic, encompassing everything from our earliest childhood experiences to the broader cultural context we live in.

Family dynamics and upbringing play a crucial role in shaping who we become. The parenting styles we experience, the relationships we observe, and the values instilled in us during our formative years all leave indelible marks on our psyche. A child raised in a nurturing, supportive environment might develop a sense of security and confidence, while one exposed to constant conflict might struggle with anxiety or trust issues later in life.

But our family is just the beginning. As we venture out into the world, we encounter a kaleidoscope of cultural influences that mold our behavior in subtle and not-so-subtle ways. From the food we eat to the way we express emotions, culture seeps into every aspect of our lives. What’s considered polite in one culture might be offensive in another, highlighting how deeply our social norms are ingrained by our environment.

Socioeconomic factors also play a significant role in shaping behavior. Growing up in poverty, for instance, can affect everything from cognitive development to future life choices. It’s not just about having less money – it’s about the chronic stress, reduced access to resources, and limited opportunities that often accompany economic hardship. These factors can have long-lasting effects on behavior and life outcomes.

Education is another powerful environmental force. Our schooling experiences don’t just fill our heads with facts and figures; they shape our worldviews, social skills, and even our brain structure. A stimulating educational environment can foster curiosity, critical thinking, and a love of learning that lasts a lifetime. Conversely, negative experiences in school can lead to disengagement and missed opportunities.

It’s important to note that these environmental factors don’t operate in isolation. They interact with each other and with our genetic predispositions in complex ways. A child with a genetic predisposition for musical ability might never discover this talent if they’re not exposed to music. Similarly, a supportive teacher might help a student overcome learning difficulties that have a genetic basis.

The Dance of Genes and Environment: Nature and Nurture in Harmony

As we delve deeper into the nature versus nurture debate, it becomes increasingly clear that this isn’t really a “versus” situation at all. Instead, we’re looking at a intricate dance between our genetic inheritance and our life experiences. This interplay is where the real magic happens, shaping us into the unique individuals we are.

Gene-environment interactions are at the heart of this dance. Our genes don’t operate in a vacuum – they respond to environmental cues in ways that can amplify or dampen their effects. For example, a person might have a genetic predisposition to aggression, but whether this translates into actual aggressive behavior depends largely on their environment. A supportive, non-violent upbringing might help keep these tendencies in check, while exposure to violence could exacerbate them.

Neuroplasticity – the brain’s ability to change and adapt throughout life – is another fascinating aspect of this interplay. While our genes provide the basic blueprint for our brain structure, our experiences literally shape the physical connections in our brains. This means that Physical and Behavioral Traits: Exploring the Interplay of Nature and Nurture are more closely linked than we might have once thought.

Critical periods in human development highlight the importance of timing in this nature-nurture dance. These are windows of opportunity when the brain is particularly receptive to certain types of environmental input. Language acquisition is a prime example – children exposed to rich linguistic environments during early childhood tend to develop stronger language skills, regardless of their genetic predispositions.

To illustrate this complex interplay, let’s consider a few case studies. Take perfect pitch, for instance – the ability to identify or recreate a musical note without a reference tone. While there’s a genetic component to this rare ability, research has shown that early musical training during a critical period in childhood is crucial for its development. This is a clear example of how genes provide the potential, but environment determines whether that potential is realized.

Another intriguing case is that of so-called “orchid children.” These are individuals who carry genes that make them particularly sensitive to their environment. In negative environments, they may be more prone to behavioral problems or mental health issues. But in positive, supportive environments, these same genetic traits can lead to exceptional achievements and well-being. It’s a vivid illustration of how genes and environment can interact to produce dramatically different outcomes.

Cutting-Edge Research: New Frontiers in Understanding Human Behavior

As we venture further into the 21st century, our understanding of human behavior continues to evolve at a breathtaking pace. Modern research is shedding new light on the complex interplay between nature and nurture, revealing layers of complexity that our predecessors could scarcely have imagined.

Advancements in behavioral genetics have been particularly exciting. With the advent of genome-wide association studies (GWAS), researchers can now scan the entire genome for genetic variations associated with particular behaviors or traits. This has led to the discovery of numerous genes that contribute to complex behaviors, from risk-taking to educational attainment. However, these studies have also underscored the complexity of genetic influences – most behaviors are influenced by hundreds or even thousands of genes, each with a small effect.

Neuroimaging studies have revolutionized our understanding of brain function and its relationship to behavior. Techniques like functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) allow us to peer into the living brain as it processes information and generates behavior. These studies have revealed that many behaviors involve complex networks of brain regions working in concert, rather than single, isolated areas. They’ve also shown how experience can shape these networks over time, providing a biological basis for the effects of nurture on the brain.

Longitudinal studies tracking behavior patterns over extended periods have provided invaluable insights into how nature and nurture interact over the lifespan. The famous “Dunedin Study,” for instance, has followed over 1,000 individuals from birth to adulthood, revealing how childhood experiences can interact with genetic predispositions to influence adult outcomes. Such studies highlight the importance of early intervention in shaping positive life trajectories.

Emerging fields like behavioral epigenetics and social genomics are pushing the boundaries of our understanding even further. Behavioral epigenetics explores how environmental factors can alter gene expression without changing the underlying DNA sequence. This field is revealing how experiences, from childhood trauma to meditation practices, can leave lasting marks on our genes that influence behavior.

Social genomics, on the other hand, investigates how social experiences “get under the skin” to influence gene expression. This research is showing how our social environments – from our friendships to our socioeconomic status – can influence our health and behavior at the molecular level. It’s a striking demonstration of how deeply intertwined our biology and our social worlds really are.

These cutting-edge research areas are not just academic pursuits – they have profound implications for how we understand and address human behavior. By unraveling the complex web of genetic and environmental influences, we’re opening up new possibilities for personalized interventions and treatments. The future of behavioral science looks brighter than ever, promising insights that could transform our approach to everything from education to mental health care.

From Theory to Practice: Implications for Society and Individual Development

As our understanding of the interplay between nature and nurture deepens, we find ourselves on the cusp of a revolution in how we approach human development and societal issues. The implications of this research stretch far beyond the laboratory, offering tantalizing possibilities for improving lives and communities.

One of the most exciting applications of this knowledge is in the realm of personalized education and parenting strategies. By understanding the unique genetic and environmental factors that influence a child’s development, we can tailor educational approaches to suit individual needs. Imagine a future where each child’s learning plan is optimized based on their genetic predispositions and environmental experiences. It’s not about creating a one-size-fits-all approach, but rather about recognizing and nurturing each individual’s unique potential.

In the field of mental health, the nature-nurture interplay is opening up new avenues for tailored treatments. Learned Behavior vs Inherited Traits: Nature and Nurture in Human Development is no longer an either/or proposition when it comes to mental health interventions. Instead, treatments can be designed to address both genetic vulnerabilities and environmental triggers. This could lead to more effective, personalized approaches to conditions like depression, anxiety, and addiction.

However, as we gain the ability to influence behavior at increasingly fundamental levels, we must grapple with serious ethical considerations. The power to modify behavior through genetic or environmental interventions raises questions about free will, identity, and the very nature of what it means to be human. Where do we draw the line between helpful intervention and unethical manipulation? These are questions that society as a whole will need to wrestle with in the coming years.

Looking to the future, the field of human behavior research is poised for even more groundbreaking discoveries. Advances in artificial intelligence and big data analysis are allowing researchers to detect patterns in behavior and development that were previously invisible. Meanwhile, new technologies like CRISPR gene editing are raising the possibility of directly altering the genetic factors that influence behavior – a prospect that is both exciting and fraught with ethical challenges.

As we move forward, it’s crucial that we approach these advancements with a balance of enthusiasm and caution. The potential benefits are enormous, but so too are the risks if this knowledge is misused or misunderstood. We must strive to ensure that our growing understanding of human behavior is used to empower individuals and improve societies, rather than to control or discriminate.

In conclusion, the nature versus nurture debate has evolved far beyond its original parameters. We now understand that human behavior emerges from a complex, dynamic interplay between our genetic inheritance and our environmental experiences. Neither nature nor nurture alone can explain the rich tapestry of human behavior – it’s the interaction between the two that creates the unique individuals we are.

This understanding opens up a world of possibilities. By recognizing the role of both genetic and environmental factors, we can develop more nuanced, effective approaches to education, mental health, and social policy. We can move beyond one-size-fits-all solutions to create personalized strategies that honor each individual’s unique combination of nature and nurture.

Yet, as we stand on the brink of these exciting possibilities, we must also remain mindful of the complexities and ethical considerations involved. Human behavior is not a simple equation to be solved, but a rich, ever-evolving landscape to be explored with care and respect.

As we continue to unravel the mysteries of human behavior, let’s approach this knowledge with a sense of wonder and responsibility. After all, understanding ourselves better is not just an academic pursuit – it’s a journey that has the potential to improve lives, strengthen communities, and shape the future of our species. The dance between nature and nurture continues, and we are all both its participants and its observers. What steps will we take next in this intricate choreography of genes and experience? The answer, like human behavior itself, is yet to be fully written.

References:

1. Plomin, R., DeFries, J. C., Knopik, V. S., & Neiderhiser, J. M. (2016). Top 10 Replicated Findings From Behavioral Genetics. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 11(1), 3-23.

2. Caspi, A., & Moffitt, T. E. (2006). Gene-environment interactions in psychiatry: joining forces with neuroscience. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 7(7), 583-590.

3. Meaney, M. J. (2010). Epigenetics and the biological definition of gene × environment interactions. Child Development, 81(1), 41-79.

4. Turkheimer, E. (2000). Three Laws of Behavior Genetics and What They Mean. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 9(5), 160-164.

5. Belsky, J., & Pluess, M. (2009). Beyond diathesis stress: differential susceptibility to environmental influences. Psychological Bulletin, 135(6), 885-908.

6. Moffitt, T. E., Caspi, A., & Rutter, M. (2005). Strategy for investigating interactions between measured genes and measured environments. Archives of General Psychiatry, 62(5), 473-481.

7. Champagne, F. A. (2010). Epigenetic influence of social experiences across the lifespan. Developmental Psychobiology, 52(4), 299-311.

8. Boyce, W. T., & Ellis, B. J. (2005). Biological sensitivity to context: I. An evolutionary-developmental theory of the origins and functions of stress reactivity. Development and Psychopathology, 17(2), 271-301.

9. Tabery, J. (2014). Beyond Versus: The Struggle to Understand the Interaction of Nature and Nurture. MIT Press.

10. Polderman, T. J., Benyamin, B., de Leeuw, C. A., Sullivan, P. F., van Bochoven, A., Visscher, P. M., & Posthuma, D. (2015). Meta-analysis of the heritability of human traits based on fifty years of twin studies. Nature Genetics, 47(7), 702-709.

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Nature Vs Nurture Essay for Students and Children

500+ words essay on nature vs nurture.

The topic of nature vs nurture is always a great topic of debate among people. There are great men who did work hard to achieve great heights . But still, they are some people who didn’t work that hard yet still managed to be successful.

In other words, it is a debate between hard work and talent. In the grooming of a person, the nurturing is essential. However, still, there are some individuals who were never born in a great environment . Yet by their sense of knowledge and intellectualism created a special place in the hearts of people.

Nature has given us many things in life and one of them is talents. Either we are born as the only individual in our family or it is in our genes. Furthermore, nature plays a vital role in deciding the future of a child. Many singers in this era are born with beautiful voices. They did not need any nurturing. Their talent took them to heights they couldn’t even imagine.

For instance, some of the great legends like Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, Kishor Kumar had soulful voices. Also, they were the ones who sang from their childhood days. They started their careers and became successful at a very early age. Moreover, they did not get much teaching but still are the legends of all time.

Apart from singing, there are other talents that nature has given us. Various scientists like Albert Einstein , Isaac Newton , Galileo Galilei, started their work in their teenage years. They had amazing intellectualism, because of which they got recognition in their entire world. Furthermore, these scientists did not get any mentoring. They did everything on their own. Because they had extraordinary intelligence and ambition in life.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

On the other hand, the nurturing of a person is important. Because hard work beats talent. With proper mentoring and practice, a person can achieve success in life. If a person has an environment in which everybody is in the same profession and are successful in it.

Then there is a great chance that the person will land up in the same profession and will achieve heights. Because in that environment he will get proper nurturing.

Furthermore, he will also be able to perform better over the years. “ Hard work always pays off ”. This idiom is always true and nobody can deny that. If a person has true dedication then it can beat talent. Various singers, dancers, musicians, businessmen, entrepreneurs did work really hard for years.

And because of that, they got recognition in the entire world. In these categories, musicians are who achieved heights only with their hard work and constant practice.

It is true that there are no shortcuts to success. Various known legends like Bob Dylon. Lou Reed, Elvis Persley, Michael Jackson worked hard throughout their lives. As a result, they were some of the great personalities in the entire world.

Q1. What is the meaning of nurture?

A1. Nurture means the way a person grooms himself. This is done in order to achieve success. Nurturing is essential in a person’s life because it can be a way a person can cross the barrier and do something great. Moreover nurture also means the mentoring and care a person is getting in an environment.

Q2. What is the difference between Nature and Nurture?

A2. The main difference between nature and nurture is, nature is the talent a person inherits from his parents or is God gifted. While nurturing is hard work and mentoring of a person in a particular field. So that he may excel in that field.

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80 Nature vs Nurture Essay Topics & Examples

Have some suggestions and questions about nature vs nurture? On this page, find research and essay topics to explore a particular aspect of the discussion.

📑 Aspects to Cover in a Nature vs Nurture Essay

🏆 best nature vs nurture essay topics & essay examples, 📌 most interesting nurture vs nature topics to write about, 👍 good nature vs nurture topics, ❓ questions about nature vs nurture.

What affects human development: nature or nurture? Are gender roles and differences come naturally, or does society impose them? What can be argued about the personalities of identical twins? Explore any of the issues with us! Our IvyPnada team has prepared nurture vs nature topics to write about. Check essay examples via the links as well.

At first glance, a nature vs nurture essay seems to be easy. However, a limited view of the subject matter may cost you marks, which is why it is crucial to offer a well-rounded account of the debate. Here are some of the aspects that you might want to include in your essay on nature vs nurture.

• The importance of the topic. The debate on what influences one’s personality, intelligence, and character is among the most prominent ones in psychology and other social sciences. Your task is to reflect this and to attempt to justify why the debate is so important. What could be done if it were resolved one day? How does the dispute affect other subject fields and topics in psychology? How would the resolution help the study of psychology and human behavior to move forward? Would it help to prove certain theories or refute the others, and what would be the effect on professional practice?
• The origins of the debate. While you explore the first aspect, you might stumble upon the history of the nature vs nurture debate. Covering this theme in your essay could also earn you some extra marks. Merely summarizing historical facts is not enough, though, because your tutor is probably aware of them already. Instead, you should focus on why the debate started. Were there any developments in psychology that prompted it?
• Prominent views. It is hard to omit the opinions expressed by famous scholars while writing an essay on this subject. John Locke, John B. Watson, Calvin Hall, and other authors had all shared ideas on the issue. If you need more names, try searching sample essays on nature and nurture online since most of them point out the key names. This might also help you to identify possible nature vs nurture essay titles.
• Results of research studies. Research evidence is among the key nature vs nurture essay topics because there were many attempts to prove one or the other view. Examples of such studies may be cited in your textbook, so it should be the first point of your research. Your school’s library and Google Scholar might also give you more information. If you find any sources online, make sure that they are of academic quality, or you might lose marks.
• Your personal experience and thoughts. Because the controversy is so prominent, nearly all people who study psychology or social studies have an opinion on it. If the instructions don’t prevent you from doing this, you should share your thoughts on the debate between nature and nurture. Support your opinion with credible research evidence and link it to the work of other scholars. If you believe that the environment is more important than genes, why is that? What other theorists supported this view, and why did they? Your opinion, supported by relevant facts and views, may become an excellent nature vs nurture essay thesis.
• Suggestions for further research. Try to think about what could be done to resolve the debate once and for all. What are the main gaps in studies on nature vs nurture and how could they be addressed by scholars?

Covering all of the themes above will help you to produce an outstanding essay. Make sure to check our website for a nature vs nurture essay prompt, titles, and other useful materials!

• Nature vs. Nurture In most cases, nature determines the physical characteristics which in effect influence the behavior of an individual. These are traits which largely determined by the socio-cultural environmental factors or the way the individuals are socialized […]
• As Nature Made Him: Summary and Analysis As aforementioned, the author of this book provides useful analysis of this aspect of personality. One of the greatest questions that readers get answer from this book is the question of nature vs.nurture in sexuality […]
• Nature vs. Nurture: “In Cold Blood” by Truman Capote Thus, by contrasting Dick’s nurturing in love and affection and the conditions of his blissful childhood and adolescence with the details of a horrible crime committed by him and his attitude to it, the author […]
• Human Development: Nature or Nurture? With studies and theories carried out to examine the impact of nature on the personal development and personality traits, heredity is an important factor in the development.
• Nature Versus Nurture and Learning Among Children Of much concern among modern researchers is the determination of the degree of influence of nature and nurture on the development of a child and the provision of learning experiences.
• “Nature” Versus “Nurture”: Effects on Child Development Consequently, a child’s behavior cannot be viewed as solely attributable to the genetic composition of the parents and the hereditary characteristics.
• Physical and Mental Wellbeing: Nature Versus Nurture In conclusion, the debates on nature versus nurture reveal that both innate health conditions and external factors shape the outcomes for physical and mental wellbeing of an individual.
• Nature vs. Nurture: New Science Stirs Debate How Behavior Is Shaped A prime example of this nature of debates is the debate on whether nature or nurture has a greater bearing on the development of the diverse individual behavioral differences that exist.
• Alcoholism-Nature vs. Nurture Debate The analysis on physiological physiology regarding alcohol shows that, alcohol displays feelings of superiority and fearless behavior and also, it reduces an individual’s fear.
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Nature Versus Nurture, Outline Example

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The particular aspects of nature versus nurture are concerned with the human behavior or characteristics that are either acquired (i.e. learned) or inherited (i.e. genetic). The individualities and differences that are not noticeable at birth, but which transpire later in life, are considered as the product of evolution in terms of physical and mental development. The debate on nature versus nurture has been a frequent area of discussion for years aimed at resolving heritable traits. This paper aims to establish how personality traits can be attributed psychology and genetic bases of personality.

Personality Traits

Personality is a regularly cited example when it comes to the topic of trait inheritability. Discussing this topic in terms of the environment (nature) versus genetically inherited traits (nurture) tries to explain how both these aspects affect personality of an individual by adulthood (Buss, 2014).

Thesis: Personality traits can be determined through observing shared family environment and heritable qualities of a particular individual.

Nature versus Nurture

Nature versus nurture is a foundational topic in psychology that has been studied for decades. Nature or the environment (nurture) in which a child grows up and develops can be used as the basis of personality, unless the family has adopted siblings. Family life for an adopted sibling can have less effect on their personality by adulthood (Buss & Plomin, 2014).

The Unconscious

This topic makes an essential basis for discussing the effect of the mind processes that depict preset personality traits for any individual. The unconscious can be referred to as the artificial lake of all the thoughts one experiences. The automatic skills are the basis explaining how one reacts to situations.

View of Self  

An individual’s view plays an important role in defining their personality. Different people have different views on the environment in which they live. For instance, biological siblings tend to be more similar in personality than adoptive siblings (Coll, Bearer & Lerner, 2014).

Development

Personality is inheritable to a particular extent. Most studies related to adoption can show the varied development in personalities (Vernon, 2014). The studies indicate that by maturity the traits of adopted siblings tend to be a little or no more similar to that of random pairs of strangers.

Discovering how motivation works in relation to an individual’s personality is vital to behavioral psychology study. Ambition is one key aspect that can be used examine personality. Inspiration is what gives one the drive to behave in a certain way aimed achieving an objective (Csikszentmihalyi & Wong, 2014).

Maturation or adulthood is essential for defining an individual’s personality. Comprehending the different stages of childhood development all the way up to adulthood is imperative in behavioral studies. Environmental effects tend to be less apparent in the adulthood stages of development.

Biblical Integration

The bible clearly acknowledges that each and every person has a different personality. It mentions how humankind was invented in the own image of God. This helps in explaining how our different personalities are a reflection of God’s character endowed upon us.

The topic of nature versus nurture in relation to the issue of personality traits expressively discusses the how humans acquire their traits. The factors of nature versus nurture have been established and found to contribute substantially in different ways to human development. These components often help to explain the sources of human inherited behavioral traits.

Buss, A. H. (2014).  Social Behavior and Personality (Psychology Revivals) . Routledge.

Buss, A. H., & Plomin, R. (2014).  Temperament (PLE: Emotion): Early Developing Personality Traits . Psychology Press.

Coll, C. G., Bearer, E. L., & Lerner, R. M. (Eds.). (2014).  Nature and nurture: The complex interplay of genetic and environmental influences on human behavior and development . Psychology Press.

Galton, F. (2012). The history of twins, as a criterion of the relative powers of nature and nurture.  International journal of epidemiology ,  41 (4), 905-911.

Loftus, D. (2014). Nature vs. Nurture.  A Common Thread ,  2 (1), 10.

Csikszentmihalyi, M., & Wong, M. M. H. (2014). Motivation and academic achievement: The effects of personality traits and the quality of experience. In Applications of Flow in Human Development and Education  (pp. 437-465). Springer Netherlands.

Vernon, P. E. (2014).  Personality Assessment (Psychology Revivals): A Critical Survey . Routledge.

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Home — Essay Samples — Psychology — Nature Versus Nurture — Difference Between Nature And Nurture

Difference Between Nature and Nurture

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Nature vs. Nurture Essay, with Outline

Published by gudwriter on May 24, 2018 May 24, 2018

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Nature vs Nurture Essay Outline Sample 1

Introduction.

Thesis: Nurture has more impact on human development than nature.

Paragraph 1:

As an infant, a human being experiences a ‘blank slate’ mentality where his or her thought processes have not been influenced by anything.

• From there, the identity and behavior of the person begin to form as they undergo various interactions and experiences as they grow.
• At birth, there is no endowed knowledge.
• Sensations are naturally provoked in humans by external environmental stimuli.

Paragraph 2:

The experiences one undergoes as they grow up, and not genetics, determine whether or not they suffer from health conditions or disorders in their adulthood.

• For example, two siblings who both have a genetic predisposition to depression may share biological parents but be raised in different households.
• One is raised in an abusive environment while the other in a friendly environment.
• In their later life, the sibling that was abused develops depression while the one who was not is happy and active.

Paragraph 3:

An infant can be trained to become any kind of specialist that the trainer wants them to be irrespective of their biological or genetic influences.

• What a child becomes is not dependent on their potentialities, race, or talents.
• The environment shapes their dreams.
• This is why a child may be encouraged to ‘work hard’ in school and become a doctor, for instance.

Paragraph 4:

Human behavior comes from the integrated point of view of cognitive, environmental, and behavioral influences.

• “Most human behavior is learned observationally through modeling.”
• Humans learn and understand how to do something by themselves if they see how it is done.

Paragraph 5:

It is nurture and not nature that determines whether a child develops negative or positive behavior.

• A child may learn to act accordingly if their parents teach them to behave in a certain way.
• For instance, a child born left-handed may end up writing using their right hand only as a result of their parents’ persistent teachings.
• The learned behavior of using the right hand replaces the trait of left-handedness.

Paragraph 6: 

Those arguing that nature has more influence may argue that what matters in how one behaves or develops is the type of gene that is turned on.

• Theirs is the idea that different genes are turned on and off in different circumstances.
• However, the nature of such circumstances determines how one’s behavior develops.

Nurture is more responsible for shaping human development than nature. Children are born with a ‘blank’ mentality and they have to learn as they grow into adults. They have to acquire behaviors depending on the environments in which they are brought up.

Nature versus Nurture Example Essay Sample 1

Nature refers to all the hereditary factors and genes that influence who people are, from their personality characteristics to their physical appearance. On the other hand, nurture refers to all the environmental variables that impact who people are, including their early childhood experiences, how they were raised, their social relationships, and their surrounding culture. According to biological psychology, genetics and biological influences play a key role in shaping how a person develops. On the contrary, Behaviorism stresses that human behavior and development is shaped more by the environment. This paper argues that nurture has more impact on human development than nature. The personal reflection is based on nature.

As an infant, a human being experiences a ‘blank slate’ mentality whereby his or her thought processes have not been influenced by anything. From there, the identity and behavior of the person begin to form as they undergo various interactions and experiences as they grow. As such, empiricists are right in their assertion that at birth, there is no endowed knowledge. “Instead, all knowledge comes through the senses, and mental development reflects learned associations” (Bornstein et al., 2013). Bornstein et al. (2013) further point out that sensations are naturally provoked in humans by external environmental stimuli. Moreover, individual raw sensations culminate into what is deemed “meaningful perceptions” through association. This helps in creating their behavior and personality. Nature makes you unique in every possible ways.

The experiences one undergoes as they grow up, and not genetics, determine whether or not they suffer from health conditions or disorders in their adulthood. For example, two siblings who both have a genetic predisposition to depression may share biological parents but be raised in different households. In the process, one of them gets exposed to verbal and physical abuse at the hands of his caretakers while the other does not. In their later life, the sibling that was abused develops depression while the one who was brought up in a stable, loving, and caring home is happy and active (Harris, 2011). One of the siblings suffers depression in their later life because of the environment he grew up in although they both have brains that are more vulnerable to depression.

Similarly, an infant can be trained to become any kind of specialist that the trainer wants them to be irrespective of their biological or genetic influences. Since the environment dictates how the child develops, what they become when they grow up is not dependent on their potentialities, race, or talents. As pointed out by Bornstein et al. (2013), “emotional reactions are the result of learned associations between unconditioned stimuli and neutral events so that these neutral events come to elicit emotional responses through classic conditioning.” This is why a child may be encouraged to ‘work hard’ in school and become a doctor or engineer, for instance. It is also why it is said that there are endless career opportunities for humans and that what one needs to do is to choose on one and work towards it.

Furthermore, human behavior comes from the integrated point of view of cognitive, environmental, and behavioral influences. “Bandura’s work emphasized the importance of observing and modeling the behaviors, attitudes, and emotional reactions of others from the assumption that most human behavior is learned observationally through modeling” (Baker & Brandell, 2013). Humans learn and understand how to do something by themselves if they see how it is done. For example, a person who does not know how to fish may know upon seeing another person fishing. It implies that the person keenly observes the steps involved in the fishing process and copies them. If learning was more genetically supported, a person may fail to do something even after several hours of watching how it is done. People may also not be able to change their attitudes as per their environment.

Finally, it is nurture and not nature that determines whether a child develops negative or positive behavior. A child may learn to act accordingly if their parents teach them to behave in a certain way (Harris, 2011). For instance, a child born left-handed may end up writing using their right hand only as a result of their parents’ persistent teachings. The learned behavior of using the right hand replaces the left hand as the dominant hand although the trait is left-handedness. This does not only change how the child writes but also how they use their hands. The implication is that children can be taught behaviors that counteract what they are born with. The potential influence of genes is stripped by this perspective.

Those arguing that nature has more influence may argue that what matters in how one behaves or develops is the type of gene that is turned on. Theirs is the idea that different genes are turned on and off in different circumstances (Psychology1101, 2008). Their understanding of this is that factors in the environment only draw reactions from a person rather than shape their behaviors. These reactions, according to these people, are released based on the particular gene that is turned on at that given moment. While this may be true, it is also true that a person has to naturally react to occurrences in their environment. It is also true that the nature of such occurrences determines how their behavior develops, as already explained above.

Nurture is more responsible for shaping human development than nature. Children are born with a ‘blank’ mentality and they have to learn as they grow into adults. They have to acquire behaviors depending on the environments in which they are brought up. They can be taught to become various specialists and can also learn to do a number of things by observing others do them. On the same note, a child who is predisposed to depression by genetic factors can be helped not to develop depression by being raised in a caring environment. Thus, human behavior is learned and is not dependent on genetic or biological influences.

Baker, K. E., & Brandell, J. R. (2013). Child and adolescent psychotherapy and psychoanalysis: one hundred years after ‘little Hans’ . New York, NY: Routledge.

Bornstein, M. H., et al. (2013). Development in infancy, fifth edition: a contemporary introduction . Oxfordshire, UK: Taylor and Francis.

Harris, J. R. (2011). The nurture assumption: why children turn out the way they do . New York, NY: Simon and Schuster.

Psychology1101. (2008).  Nature vs. nurture  [Video]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5aNaMlSc3Ag&list=PLC6B610F325F65635

Nature vs Nurture Essay Debate Outline Sample 2

Thesis:  Although the two sides argue for different factors influencing behavior and development, nature and nurture cannot be isolated since they both play a significant role in the development process of an individual.

The nurture versus nature debate began many decades ago.

• It started with the world’s greatest philosophers including Plato and Socrates who maintained that certain things are inborn and they occur naturally without an influence of environmental factors.
• Nativists posited that all behaviors are inherited through an individual’s genetic make-up and composition.
• Thinkers such as John Locke brought in the idea of  tabula rasa  that is based on the argument that at birth one is born with a blank mind and through development and growth everything starts to take shape.

In essence, people believe that nature fix behavior and development is entirely a matter of choice.

• . However, it is crucial to consider the fact that in the course of human life there is an interaction of nature, nurture and the choices that people make.
• Biologically, genes are responsible for structuring amino acids which also impact on the body cells by influencing on the proteins leading to the chemical components of our biology.
• The actions and development of any individual are explained by their genetic composition and the environment in which they exist.

The maturation theory is an excellent example of child development.

• In this theory, the argument is development is comprised of genetically determined series of events that unfold automatically.
• The ability of a child to speak in a specific language is assumed to be as a result of their genetic makeup.

Undoubtedly, development is highly dependent on an individual’s genetic make-up.

• However, genes cannot function without significant influence by the environment.
• A more interesting example is that of feral children who are kept away from human contact from the time they are born.
• Due to the isolation, such children lack parental care, love and cannot pick any human language.

Individuals may not have inherited such concrete behavioral traits as the political party they support, the religion they practice, and the language they speak because these traits are largely provided by one’s environment.

• However, they inherited the traits upon which their underlying talents and temperaments are based.
• For instance, one may have inherited from their parents how to be religious, how to become conservative or liberal, and how to become proficient with language.

Paragraph 6:

It is challenging to isolate nature and nurture in the developmental process of a human being, and this can be explained using several other examples.

• In the case of academic success, one might wonder if people succeed because they are genetically modified to succeed, or it is out of the environment they exist.
• Also, one might consider the case of an abusive husband where the question is whether one is born with abusive tendencies or they learned the behavior by observing the behavior of others during their development phase.

Paragraph 7:

There are traits and physical characteristics that can entirely be blamed on genetic composition.

• For instance, biological composition influences an individual’s hair color, eye color and genetic diseases such as diabetes.
• However, other examples such as life expectancy profoundly affect biological makeup, lifestyle and environmental factors.

The nature versus nurture debate is still on despite being initiated many years ago. Different branches of psychology tend to focus more on one side more than the other, but the truth is both cannot be explained in isolation. It is true that some behaviors and traits are in born, but the environment also plays a significant role in influencing such behaviors.

The Nature versus Nurture Essay Debate Sample 2

The discussion of nature versus nurture rotates around the issue of behavior and development. Those who argue for the nature side contend that what we become or who we are is influenced by our genes and hereditary factors including physical appearance and personality traits. On the other hand, those on the nurture side argue that the environment plays a massive role in influencing who we are, referring to environmental variables such as childhood experiences, parenting styles, social relationships, and culture. Although these two sides argue for different factors influencing behavior and development, nature and nurture cannot be isolated since they both play a significant role in the life of an individual.

The nurture versus nature debate began many decades ago. It started with the world’s greatest philosophers including Plato and Socrates who maintained that certain things are inborn and occur naturally without an influence of environmental factors (Kong et al., 2018). On the other hand, nativists posited that all behaviors are inherited through an individual’s genetic make-up and composition. The nativists tried to argue that evolution causes behaviors and traits and genetic traits are handed down from parents to their children making every one unique. Other thinkers such as John Locke, as pointed out by McLeod (2007), brought in the idea of  tabula rasa  that is based on the argument that at birth, one is born with a blank mind and through development and growth everything starts to take shape.

In essence, people believe that nature fixes behavior and that development is entirely a matter of choice. However, it is crucial to consider the fact that in the course of human life, there is an interaction between nature, nurture, and the choices that people make. Biological programming refers to our genetics. Biologically, genes are responsible for structuring amino acids which also impact on the body cells by influencing on the proteins leading to the chemical components of our biology. The shape, size, and behavior of people rely on their biological make-up through an interaction of environmental factors (McLeod, 2007). That is, the actions and development of any individual are explained by their genetic composition and the environment in which they exist.

The maturation theory is an excellent example of child development. In this theory, the argument is that development is comprised of genetically determined series of events that unfold automatically (Petersen, 2017). This argument strengthens the idea that development is a biological process that takes place in predictable stages over the course of time. Here, the ability of a child to speak in a specific language is assumed to be as a result of their genetic makeup. The argument is that at first, a child starts to become interested in sounds and signs that they see with their parents and other people around them, thereby triggering the need to speak.

It is not in doubt that development is highly dependent on an individual’s genetic make-up. However, genes cannot function without significant influence by the environment. For example, in case a child is born deaf due to inherited genetic composition, they will never learn how to speak, but they might learn sign language if the people around them use sign language. It is thus without a doubt that the environment and the genetic makeup of an individual work together in the maturation process. A more interesting example is that of feral children who are kept away from human contact from the time they are born (Rollo, 2018). Due to the isolation, such children lack parental care and love, and cannot pick any human language. In most cases, they end up becoming mentally and physically impaired.

In yet another example, individuals may not have inherited such concrete behavioral traits as the political party they support, the religion they practice, and the language they speak because these traits are largely provided by one’s environment, including their culture and home environment. However, they inherited the traits upon which their underlying talents and temperaments are based. For instance, one may have inherited from their parents how to be religious, how to become conservative or liberal, and how to become proficient with language. This then means that whether they are conservative or liberal determines their political stance. It also implies that how fast they can become proficient with language affects the number of languages they can speak. On the same note, their understanding of religion and extent of religiosity significantly impacts their religious affiliation. As such, both nature and nurture have an input into how one develops.

It is therefore challenging to isolate nature and nurture in the developmental process of a human being, and this can be explained using several other examples. For instance, in the case of academic success, one might wonder if people succeed because they are genetically modified to succeed, or it is out of the environment they exist in. Similarly, one might consider the case of an abusive husband where the question is whether one is born with abusive tendencies or they learned the behavior by observing the behavior of others during their development process. In these two cases, it is difficult to blame genetic composition in entirety since environmental influences go a long way in explaining violent tendencies and academic success.

There are traits and physical characteristics that can entirely be blamed on genetic composition. For instance, biological composition influences an individual’s hair color, eye color, and genetic diseases such as diabetes. However, other examples such as life expectancy profoundly affect biological makeup, lifestyle, and environmental factors. On the issue of life expectancy, one might have been born with a strong immunity, but if they smoke or eat a lot of junk among other unhealthy lifestyles, they will not have a prolonged life expectancy.

The nature versus nurture debate is still on despite being initiated many years ago. Different branches of psychology tend to focus more on one side than the other. However, as seen, the truth is that neither can be explained in isolation. It is true that some behaviors and traits are in-born. However, it is also true that the environment also plays a significant role in influencing such behaviors.

Kong, A., Thorleifsson, G., Frigge, M. L., Vilhjalmsson, B. J., Young, A. I., Thorgeirsson, T. E., … & Gudbjartsson, D. F. (2018). The nature of nurture: effects of parental genotypes.  Science ,  359 (6374), 424-428.

McLeod, S. (2007). Nature vs. nurture in psychology.  Simply Psychology .

Petersen, A. (2017).  Brain maturation and cognitive development: comparative and cross-cultural perspectives . New York, NY: Routledge.

Rollo, T. (2018). Feral children: settler colonialism, progress, and the figure of the child.  Settler Colonial Studies ,  8 (1), 60-79.

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