Nature vs Nurture Issue
Definition
The nature–nurture issue is a long-standing debate over the relative influence of genetic inheritance (nature) and environmental experience (nurture) in shaping psychological traits and behavior.
Modern Perspective
Today’s psychological science recognizes that it is not either/or, but rather a continuous interaction:
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Genes create a range of potential.
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Environment shapes how that potential is expressed.
Key Insight
“Nurture works on what nature endows.”
In other words, we may be born with certain predispositions, but our experiences shape how those predispositions unfold.
Examples:
- A child may be born with a genetic tendency toward anxiety (nature), but whether that tendency becomes a problem depends on parenting style, early life stress, and coping skills learned over time (nurture).