The Nature/Nurture Debate Related to Factors

  • The Nature/Nurture Debate revolves around whether human behaviour is determined by the environment, either prenatal or during a person’s life (nurture), or by a person’s genes (nature).

  • Nature refers to the biological/genetic predispositions’ impact on human traits such as physical appearance, personality characteristics, abilities, and mental health issues.

  • Nurture refers to environmental factors including childhood experiences, how we were raised, our social relationships, and our surrounding culture.

  • Supporters of the Nature theory, known as ‘nativists’, argue that some behaviours or characteristics are genetically inherited. They claim that genes determine individual traits such as intelligence, personality, aggression and sexual orientation.

  • Supporters of the Nurture theory, referred to as ‘empiricists’, inform that from the time a child is conceived, it begins to be influenced by its surroundings - the birth process, people and events, cultural framework, education all contribute to the shaping of the individual.

  • The Interactionist approach, a middle ground, accepts that both nature and nurture interact to shape human behaviour. This suggests that a person’s development is influenced by their genetic make-up and the environment.

  • Studies in the field of behavioural genetics are significant to this debate as they suggest the possibility of isolating specific genes responsible for specific behaviours.

  • Factors like intelligence, temperament, aggression, and mental issues like depression or schizophrenia can be studied to understand the nature-nurture interaction better.

  • The nature/nurture debate plays a critical role in understanding healthcare. Different approaches could lead to different strategies for prevention and treatment.

  • A holistic approach that considers both genetic (nature) and environmental (nurture) influences is best suited to ensure that individuals are able to maximise their potential health and wellness.