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:

Genes create a range of potential.
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).