Nature Vs. Nurture Essay, Research Paper

Do inherited traits hold priority in developing personality or do learned skills? This is the question that many psychologists are trying to find the answer to. There are strong arguments for both of these aspects but however, neither is overwhelmingly favorable. The theory that genes play a bigger part in human development is backed up by the idea that the human brain is packed with neurochemicals that affect everything from sleeping patterns to levels of mood. A study of two identical twins who were separated at birth is probably the biggest piece of supporting evidence. The findings of this research include the idea that “Through their child-rearing practices, parents have little influence on their child’s overall intelligence, according to the study. Parents might be able to influence the rate at which their child acquires cognitive skills, say the researchers, but ‘they have relatively little influence on the ultimate level attained.”‘ (Rist, Genes and Behavior 20). Another study done in 1982 by Christine De Lacoste and Ralph Holloway was also very influential. They reported evidence of inheritance of alcoholism, mental illness, even TV watching habits. It was a study which attempted to prove that males and females have different thinking patterns, and the tried to prove the difference anatomically. There study failed to prove this difference. If successful, this would have been the biggest support for the theory of nature over nurture. In a study on violence, the National Research Council in a lengthy report found that “even if two individuals could be exposed to identical sequences of experiences as they developed, their potentials for adult violent behavior would differ because their nervous systems process information, recall experiences and react to events differently.” (Garelik, Nature vs. Nurture 67). One common belief about genes playing a big part in personality is the idea that men are generally more aggressive than women. For every women who is a violent criminal, there are 9 men who are. This is believed to be caused by certain male hormones which rise during puberty such as androgens. The other side of the argument is that the way the child was brought up affects the temperament of the child.

An infant’s childhood also affects the way they are in later adulthood. For example infants who are kept close to their mothers tend to turn out to be people become attached very easily. When the mother lets the child out into the environment but leaves herself as a safe base to return to at any time, the child will be more adventurous. When mother’s rock there babies, they are not doing the baby a favor by soothing him to sleep, they are also making sure of complete brain growth of the cerebellum. Optimal development is achieved through motion of the baby. Richard Restak, who performed this study, has said that infants who are not rocked and cuddled have more trouble experiencing pleasurable states as adults and are prone to frustration, violence, and are subject to alcohol and drug addictions. He has also said that “physical holding and carrying of the infant turns out to be the most important factor responsible for the infant’s normal mental and social development” ( Klein, The Needs of Children 45). People with disorders such as agoraphobia, depression, alcoholism, antisocial personality disorder, and borderline personality disorders are believed to have a background with a attachment disorder at a young age. In one study, it was shown that an infant does not become social through learning or conditioning, but is programmed to be social. There seems to be a predisposition for attachment and it comes out when we are born. It is unclear whether or not a person’s personality is more due to genetic makeup, or there early childhood experience. However, there is much evidence to support either side of the issue. The commonly held belief it a mixture of the two, that people are predisposed to be a certain personality but can be affected greatly due what they experience during childhood.

“Genes and Behavior.” Executive Educator. December 1991; 16-21. “Nature vs. Nurture.” San Fransisco Examiner. 20 January 1991; 11-17. “The Needs of Children.” Mothering. Spring 1995; 39-45