The question of whether heredity and environment are opposing forces is an inherent aspect of human development that urges us to contemplate the relative influences of nature and nurture (Sternberg 100). The debate on nature vs. nurture can be comprehended and approached in different manners. Determining which theory is correct, and if only one of them holds true, remains a matter of opinion. Nurture seems to possess the most solid evidence backing its presence in our everyday lives.
In studying genetic influences on personality and behavior, psychologists have discovered that the most effective approach is to use identical twins. These twins exhibit strong resemblances in intelligence, personality, and other characteristics, regardless of their upbringing in different households. This implies that there could be some validity to the theory of nature. Nevertheless, from my own encounters with my older sisters, I perceive these findings as mere coincidences. We serve as a perfect illustration of how nurture can impact personal growth. Therefore, when examining research studies and my personal experience, the theory appears plausible.
Despite sharing the same upbringing, my sister and I – despite not being twins and having a four-year age gap – are starkly different individuals. We firmly subscribe to the theory of nurture, which posits that our upbringing shapes who we become. According to this belief, our environment is pivotal in molding our identity, with no inherent traits defining us from birth. The contrasting personalities between my sister and me serve as proof of the power of nurture. I have an outgoing disposition and enjoy socializing, while my sister leads a less socially-oriented lifestyle. For me, building strong friendships holds great importance, whereas her love for working with children is what she treasures most in life. Although we both embrace the lessons and values instilled in us during our upbringing, we have grown into distinct individuals. Ultimately, it is evident that nurture has been instrumental in shaping our development.
The early psychologist Erik Erikson aimed to create a theory on personality development known as the psychosocial theory. It is evident that Erikson supports the nurture viewpoint, as he describes his theory as the interaction between social factors and personality throughout one’s entire lifespan (Sternberg 363). Personality development persists during the entirety of one’s life due to the influence of each new experience within their environment. With individuals undergoing various transformations throughout different life stages, how could this statement be untrue? All of these changes occur as a result of living and learning through interactions in one’s environment, continually shaping oneself by constantly incorporating new input.
According to Sternberg (340), assimilation is the process of incorporating fresh information into existing schemes in order to maintain cognitive equilibrium. This idea, coined by psychologist Jean Piaget, supports the nurture theory by suggesting that personal development occurs through each new data or experience building upon previous ones. Moreover, this process persists throughout an individual’s lifetime. As people progress through life, they encounter unfamiliar things and must adjust to them (Sternberg 340). When confronted with novel stimuli, a person’s response and adaptation may induce changes within them, even if these changes are not immediately observable. This aligns with Piaget’s belief that growth involves a sequence of alterations that everyone experiences. These alterations resemble the theories of nurture as they are influenced by what we learn throughout our lives.
The question of whether humans are influenced by genetics or their environment does not have a definitive answer. Both nature and nurture have evidence supporting their significant roles in shaping our identity. These factors work together to impact our development. However, personally, I believe that learned behavior is the primary driver of our growth and the dominant factor in shaping our minds and personalities.
