Nature vs. Nurture
Nature and nurture provide two different suggestions for what may influence or cause a person’s behaviors and characteristics to develop.
Nature
From a standpoint of psychology, nature refers to characteristics and behaviors that are innate. This includes characteristics such as body type, personality, and some mental health conditions.
This perspective believes that most behaviors and personality characteristics develop due to your genes and family heritage. This would infer that we are predisposed to act in certain ways and develop according to your biological family.
Evidence suggests that most traits are passed down from generation to generation. For example, some studies suggest that children develop traits of ADHD due to genetics. This information does not predict how a person’s characteristics will develop, as there is evidence that the presence of outside influences is a factor as well. This is the concept of the influence of Nurture.
Nurture
This is defined by the outside influences that affect a person’s behavior and personality. It can include parental involvement and parenting styles, family make-up, socio-economic status and much more.
Nurture can also play an important role in your mental health. Some professionals believe our environment, more than our genetic makeup, can contribute to our overall sense of well-being. One example is a study that found that environmental factors such as safe, affordable housing and solid social supports, are associated with increased well-being and decreased mental health symptoms.
What is the difference between nature vs. nurture?
Nature and nurture in psychology represent two explanations for human behaviors and characteristics, mental health, and personality.
Here are two examples:
A general drive to succeed.
Nature: Both parents were successful in their careers and were determined to excel.
Nurture: The child has supportive teachers, parents, mentors, and learning environments.
Development of mental health condition.
Nature: Genetic differences account for the development of considerations such as depression or bipolar disorder.
Nurture: Evidence such as a high ACES score or past trauma can lead and/or contribute to different mental health conditions.
Regardless, most professionals believe these two areas both affect us and how we move through the world. There are many therapeutic activities and modalities that utilize the concepts around “Nature vs. Nurture” to support health and healing. If you’re interested, you can discuss this with your therapist who can provide helpful information and interventions to learn more and incorporate into your work together.
Rachel Brown, MSW, SWLC
References
https://psychcentral.com/health/nature-versus-nurture
https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/3wb79