nature vs nurture in psychology essay

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Nature vs. Nurture: Psychological Theory

Introduction, nature perspective essence, nurture perspective essence, historical background.

“For” and “Against” Nature
“For” and “Against” Nurture

Debate Winner

Human development and the resources people could use to achieve perfection in their growth are frequently discussed in different fields, including social sciences, psychology, and health care. During the last several centuries, researchers, philosophers, and writers are interested in what could determine human traits and abilities. There is one group of people who believe that nature establishes certain characteristics, and the role of biological factors cannot be ignored. There are also the supporters of the nurture side, according to which the influence of external (environmental) factors prevails. The nature versus nurture debate is based on the idea that either genetic or acquired influence should matter in psychological assessment and development. As a result, people find it reasonable to introduce “for” and “against” positions and demonstrate their understanding of the topic. In this paper, the debate of the nature-nurture psychological idea will be extended by analyzing the historical aspects and the opinions of different people and defining the most appropriate arguments to support and oppose controversies.

There are many reasons for psychologists to explain human behaviors, and one of them is a combination of biological factors. In the debate, it is also known as the nature side, according to which genetics determines personality traits and abilities that Georgiades et al. (2017) call heritable. The principle of nature may be interpreted by psychologists in a variety of ways, but the impact of biological factors like height or weight remains significant. Despite the intention to follow a healthy lifestyle, take vitamins, and control dietary habits, a person could be genetically predisposed to gain weight, be small, or experience discomfort due to high height. Nature proves that many innate characteristics define human behavior and abilities to develop, and parents are responsible for the transmission of some characteristics like the color of the eyes, the quality of teeth, or the structure of the hair.

Human development is also connected to the vulnerability of individuals to certain illnesses. Many patients around the globe may be diagnosed with such diseases as stroke, hypertension, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes not because of environmental concerns but because of genetics that cannot be controlled (Tremblay & Hamet, 2019). The presence of health problems usually has a negative outcome on human development, and many behavioral and personality attributes depend on family history. To predict complications, today, more than 26 million individuals like to take at-home genetic tests and learn more about their genome structures (O’Callaghan, 2019). However, in many cases, people do not find it necessary to take genetic tests and clarify what threats and risks may be present in their lives. As a result, some challenges and problems are revealed at a certain period (not evident during birth) like puberty or pregnancy. Following the nature side of this psychological debate, it is possible to say that children are never able to choose their biological parents, while parents could influence their future children’s development.

To contribute to the discussion about psychological development, another perspective is created and known as nurture. According to this position, people are able to obtain and develop traits and attributes not from their biological parents, but from the environment that is around and the cultural context (Sasaki & Kim, 2017). When a person is born, there are no minds and knowledge in the brain, and it is possible to formulate different qualities and attitudes in regard to specific standards and regulations. The findings by John Locke about the “blank slate” or “tabula rasa” concept served as a solid foundation for this opinion (Płonka, 2016). Locke believed that the human mind at birth is blank, without any rules to be followed and any orders to be followed. The only determinants of human behavior are personal sensory experiences.

It is not enough for a parent to give birth to a healthy child and believe that he or she can acquire knowledge and improve various skills without enough professional attention being paid to the development. There are many ecological mechanisms and social competencies that identify the frameworks of human behavior (Granqvist & Nkara, 2017). Cooperation with the outside world includes parental involvement, collaboration with peers, and regular checkups.

To understand better the power of nurture, it is possible to observe the examples described in movies or short stories. One should remember the progress of children in the horror film Mama where the impact of the environment was evident or a science fiction movie Gattaca where the main character overcame natural predisposition and weakness. The story “The Girl in the Window” introduced a girl who was not properly treated by her parents during the first seven years of her life. She did not get an education, knew nothing about hygiene, did not receive appropriate feeding, and could not speak or even cry. Attention to the environmental factors and the possibility to use the experience of generations are frequently practiced in sports performance (Georgiades et al., 2017). More examples can be found in real life if people just look around and understand how crucial the impact of the environment may be on their development.

Today, the discussion about the importance of nature or nurture in human development is considered as old as the world theme. However, as well as any movement and position, this debate has its roots. In many sources, Francis Galton is introduced as the founder of eugenics, the field that aims at the improvement of human life (Płonka, 2016). His model underlined the importance of a hereditary ceiling over physical and mental capacities (Georgiades et al., 2017). Płonka (2016) explained this position as a significant influence of Charles Darwin, who created a number of works to prove the dominance of heredity in human development. However, the opinion of Locke about the presence of the “blank slate” in developmental psychology should not be ignored. Firstly, it was developed several centuries before the Darwinist movement, and, secondly, it has a number of supporters even today. As a result, the presence of different but strong opinions either to support the power of genetic determinism (Darwin and Galton) or to prove the worth of the “blank slate” (Locke) provokes a lifelong debate.

In the middle of the 20th century, the decision to invite the twins to participate in studies was made. Such approaches helped the researchers to analyze human behavioral development within the frames of similar birth characteristics and under different environments. Today, such studies are used in psychology research to prove that genetic and environmental factors have the same impact on people and their development (Montag et al., 2016). Therefore, regardless of all the experiences, ideas, and movements to support or oppose one of the sides of the nature-nurture debate, it remains impossible to find enough explanations and opinions. It seems to be normal to live in a world where people cannot realize what determines their psychological development and behavior and continue focusing on biological and environmental aspects equally.

“ For” and “Against” Nature

To find out the balance between nature and nurture in this research, it is possible to identify the strengths and weaknesses of both positions and investigate what different people think about them. Following the ideas of Darwinism and human evolution, it is possible to believe that people never stop developing in order to win a struggle for existence (Płonka, 2016). There are many heritable characteristics that influence the way of how people behave and grow. However, there is a chance that these traits may differ with time and improve through generations. Therefore, the presence of the theory of evolution in the list “for nature” arguments plays a crucial role in the debate.

Another important argument lies in the necessity to establish close family relations and the dependence of children on their parents. The nature side is about the fact that people inherit a lot from their parents. Healthcare and medical researchers use genetic predisposition as an argument to explain the progress of the disease. Genetics is mentioned in 80% of the cases to prove the heritability of diabetes and the development of human leukocyte antigens that cause type 1 diabetes (Tremblay & Hamet, 2019). Sometimes, people are not able to trace their family history to understand the nature of the disease, and falsely believe that the environment is the cause.

Genes serve as significant blueprints for human behaviors, emotions, and physical appearance, and this developmental approach can never be removed from human life. It is enough to remember how many times a person hears that he or she looks like his or her mother or father, and some mistakes or personal achievements are explained by genetics. Georgiades et al. (2017) also add a significant explanation to support nature over nurture because true athletes may be built, but only if they are born with certain abilities. Many athletes, surgeons, and even designers rely on genetics to clarify the sources of their skills.

At the same time, many children could also hear from their parents about the necessity to follow their brothers’/sisters’ examples and choices. There are so many relatives who have no traits in common. Even twins who are raised in the same environments and with similar biological metrics demonstrate different behaviors and abilities. Besides, if genetics could always predetermine psychology and human behavior, the children of great leaders, scientists, and philosophers should also demonstrate strong knowledge and interest in the same spheres. For example, Socrates had sons, but today’s reader knows almost nothing about their achievements in philosophy. Napoleon Bonaparte had several bastards and one legitimate child, and only the latter demonstrated good leadership skills (mostly because of his legacy). There are many similar examples in history, as well as around the globe today. Genetics could be a determinant of human behavior and development, but it is never the only factor to be considered.

“ For” and “Against” Nurture

In this discussion, attention should also be paid to the arguments for and against nurture as the factor that affects human psychology and development. The idea of Locke that every person has a blank mind to be fulfilled with attitudes and knowledge should be underlined in this list of “for” arguments because it makes sense and has examples. Twin studies also prove that children who have the same genetic characteristics, but are raised in different environments, are able to demonstrate different abilities and skills (Montag et al., 2016). It is possible to discover the changes in their genetic structures, but, in most cases, the environment is used as an excuse.

Although the impact of external factors like parental involvement, peer relationships, and education cannot be neglected, the discussion about the worth of the environment contains a number of questions and concerns. Granqvist and Nkara (2017) use religious and spiritual aspects to prove psychological predisposition over natural factors. The authors believe that caregiver sensitivity influences the behavior of an offspring (including the ways of behavior or attitudes toward different people and subjects) (Granqvist & Nkara, 2017). It means that certain beliefs can be imposed and explained, relying on personal experience, interests, and existing cultural norms.

Considering the opposite side of the discussion, people usually rely on such common truths as genetic make-up for body weight or height. However, nurture’s impact is also included in the debate due to a number of important issues. If a child is born in an overweight family, there are high chances of having weight problems and cardiovascular diseases. Still, certain physical exercises, diets, and pharmacological interventions can help this child avoid serious complications and keep a healthy body mass index. For example, the progress of diabetes depends on such environmental impacts as sedentary lifestyle, socioeconomic status, medications, microbiota, and the level of education (Tremblay and Hamet, 2019). If twins are placed into different geographical environments, their behaviors, cultural perceptions, and even reactions to weather conditions may differ, and much time is necessary to bring them to the same responses.

Even today, when many discoveries have been made, and new ways of treatment and prediction of health problems have been discovered, many questions remain poorly answered. The nature-nurture debate has a long history, and every person is free to take a specific position, relying on personal interests and preferences. At this moment, the study of epigenetics is identified as a transcending means in the debate (Witherington & Lickliter, 2017). There has to be a way within the frames of which nature interacts with nurture without defining priorities but making contributions.

The idea of epigenetics turns out to be one of the most adequate explanations of the nature-nurture relationship. It proves that the functions and structures of organisms are determined by the development itself, as well as the development of the processes around them (Witherington & Lickliter, 2017). Both psychological and physiological factors play a vital role in human life. It is not enough to underline the worth of biology and neglect the impact of the environment and vice versa. This debate cannot have an absolute winner, and the worth of psychological studies is to identify new means to control the nature-nurture balance and help people.

The interaction between nature and nurture is one of the common themes for discussion around the globe. People with different backgrounds, beliefs, and attitudes try to introduce their opinions and prove the importance of biological and environmental factors in human development. At this moment, the achievements of both sides are remarkable because even if a person is born to be a leader, the development of additional knowledge and skills is required. Some people believe that their genetic predisposition is something they cannot escape. Still, many people continue cherishing a dream that family history is not a final determinant of their lives, and everything can be changed as per personal tastes and abilities.

Georgiades, E., Klissouras, V., Baulch, J., Wang, G., & Pitsiladis, Y. (2017). Why nature prevails over nurture in the making of the elite athlete. BMC Genomics, 18 (8). Web.

Granqvist, P., & Nkara, F. (2017). Nature meets nurture in religious and spiritual development. British Journal of Developmental Psychology, 35 (1), 142–155. Web.

Montag, C., Hahn, E., Reuter, M., Spinath, F. M., Davis, K., & Panksepp, J. (2016). The role of nature and nurture for individual differences in primary emotional systems: Evidence from a twin study. PLoS One, 11 (3). Web.

O’Callaghan, T. (2019). How to think about… nature vs nurture. New Scientist, 244 (3260), 44-45. Web.

Płonka, B. (2016). Nature or nurture – Will epigenomics solve the dilemma? Studia Humana, 5 (2), 13–36. Web.

Sasaki, J. Y., & Kim, H. S. (2017). Nature, nurture, and their interplay: A review of cultural neuroscience. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 48 (1), 4-22. Web.

Tremblay, J., & Hamet, P. (2019). Environmental and genetic contributions to diabetes. Metabolism , 100 . Web.

Witherington, D. C., & Lickliter, R. (2017). Transcending the nature-nurture debate through epigenetics: Are we there yet? Human Development , 60, 65-68. Web.

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Home — Essay Samples — Psychology — Nature Versus Nurture — The Nature vs Nurture Debate

The Nature Vs Nurture Debate

Categories: Nature Versus Nurture

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Words: 603 |

Published: Jan 29, 2024

Words: 603 | Page: 1 | 4 min read

Nature argument, nurture argument, interactionist perspective, criticisms and limitations of the debate.

One of the most compelling examples of genetic influences on behavior is the study of identical twins. Identical twins share the same genes and were commonly separated at birth, yet they often display remarkable similarities in personality traits, interests, and even medical conditions.
Genetic factors can lead to the onset of psychological disorders such as Autism and Schizophrenia.
Evolution and natural selection have created inherited traits such as physical characteristics that enable humans to adapt to their environments.
Early childhood experiences can heavily influence an individual’s cognitive development. Studies have shown that a nurturing environment positively contributes to intellectual development and conversely, poverty and violence negatively impact cognitive development.
Socialization is a critical environmental factor that shapes one's personality. Cultural norms also deeply influence one's way of thinking, behavior, and personal identity.
Environmental factors can heavily impact behavior, such as peer pressure and negative societal influences leading to adverse outcomes.
Genetic factors and environmental factors have both been shown to interact to influence behavior, gene-environment interaction being critical scientific evidence of this.
Epigenetics, the study of how environmental factors can activate or suppress certain genes, can have impacts on both personality and physical health.
Plomin, R. (2018). Genetics and life events: The importance of childhood environments for recruitment into ‘nature’s experiments’. Psychological Review, 125(5), 778-791.
Reiss, D., Neiderhiser, J. M., Hetherington, E. M., & Plomin, R. (2000). The relationship code: Deciphering genetic and social influences on adolescent development. Harvard University Press.
Jablonka, E., & Raz, G. (2009). Transgenerational Epigenetic Inheritance: Prevalence , Mechanisms, and Implications for the Study of Heredity and Evolution. The Quarterly Review of Biology, 84(2), 131–176.

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