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

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).1 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.2

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.3 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.4

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.5

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.

In the big 5 theory of personality, extroversion (often known as extraversion) is one of the five core
traits believed to make up human personality. Extroversion is characterized by sociability, talkativeness,
assertiveness, and excitability.

People who are high in extroversion tend to seek out social stimulation and opportunities to engage
with others. These individuals are often described as being full of life, energy, and positivity. In group
situations, extroverts (extraverts) are likely to talk often and assert themselves.1

Extroverts are often unfairly stereotyped as overly talkative or attention-seeking. In reality, they simply
gain energy from engaging in social interaction. People who are high in extroversion need social
stimulation to feel energized. They gain inspiration and excitement from talking and discussing ideas
with other people.

Common Extroversion Traits

Extroversion is often marked by a number of different sub-traits. An extrovert may be:

Action-oriented
Assertive

Cheerful

Engaging

Happy being the center of attention

Friendly

Gregarious

Novelty- and excitement-seeking

Talkative

Warm

Introverts, on the other hand, are people who are low in extroversion. They tend to be quiet, reserved
and less involved in social situations. It is important to note that introversion and shyness are not the
same