A Guide to Nature vs Nurture Child Development Process

(Last Updated On: July 22, 2023)

Nature vs Nurture Child Development is a concern of modern times, which began in time immemorial. Development psychology has made enormous progress in recent times. In this article, we are going to explain Nature vs Nurture Child Development to the general readers.

The evolving understanding of child development acknowledges the active role of the child within intricate interactions with their multi-layered social and physical environments – a dance between nature and nurture. Beneath this contemporary gloss, though, conventional assumptions still linger.

Exploring the intricacies of nature vs nurture child development, researchers delving into thousands of human traits have deduced that, on the whole, they are influenced equally by genetic and environmental factors.

Unraveling the Complexity of Nature vs Nurture Child Development: Beyond Dichotomies

Through an exhaustive analysis of over 50 years of twin studies, Dutch and Australian scientists have revealed that approximately 49% of nearly 18,000 studied traits are predominantly influenced by genetics, while the remaining 51% are primarily shaped by environmental elements.

The notion that developmental causes arise from both genetic and environmental structures – the classical nature/nurture and organism/environment dichotomies – holds sway in this context.

Yet, these assumptions carry profound implications for theories of development, hindering the pursuit of a comprehensive ecological, systems-oriented perspective that recognizes the inseparable relationship between the organism and its surroundings, rather than viewing them as opposing forces.

Moreover, they fail to account for how distinct triggers may converge to shape development, inhibiting the possibility of interactionism where change emerges from the interplay of multiple factors, transcending traditional genetic instructions or environmental influences. What we require is a view that liberates us from this conceptual straitjacket.

Such a liberating perspective exists, one grounded in principles applicable to all natural processes of child development. It embraces ecological thinking, dispensing with the need for rigid regulators and allowing for an embrace of the vast complexity and uncertainties inherent in development, while retaining scientific integrity. This dynamic, systems-oriented approach emerges as a promising alternative.

Nevertheless, the influence of genetics and the environment varies significantly across different types of traits. For instance, the risk of bipolar disorder is found to be nearly 70% influenced by genetics, whereas the risk of eating disorders is only 40% attributable to genetics.

What Is Nature vs. Nurture in Psychology?

The perennial debate of nature vs. nurture has captivated the minds of scholars and thinkers for generations, pondering whether genetics (nature) or lived experiences and environmental factors (nurture) exert a more significant influence on shaping a person’s characteristics. Coined by the eminent anthropologist Francis Galton, the term “nature vs. nurture” emerged from the intellectual legacy of Charles Darwin, birthing a dichotomous perspective around 1875.

Within the realm of psychology, the extreme nature position, or nativism, contends that intelligence and personality traits stem solely from inherent genetic factors. On the other end of the spectrum, the extreme nurture position, or empiricism, posits that the mind starts as a blank slate at birth, with external influences such as education and upbringing molding an individual’s identity and cognitive functioning. Both of these polarized viewpoints possess limitations and have become antiquated in contemporary thought.

This article embarks on an exploration of the distinctions between nature and nurture, presenting insightful examples of the interplay between these two forces while debunking the outdated perspectives of nativism and empiricism that no longer align with modern views.

Nature: The Tapestry of Genetics and Hereditary Factors

In the context of nature vs. nurture, “nature” refers to the influence of genetics and heritable elements passed down from biological parents to their offspring. Genes govern numerous aspects of an individual’s physical appearance and other inherent characteristics, including a genetically predisposed inclination toward certain personality traits. Research suggests that approximately 50% of an individual’s personality and temperament may be genetically determined.

Nonetheless, the complex interplay between gene-environment interactions intricately weaves the tapestry of human traits, leading to variations in the heritability of personality traits that do not consistently adhere to the 50% benchmark. The endeavor to scientifically quantify the contributions of “nature vs. nurture” remains a labyrinth of uncertainty, as discerning the precise boundaries between genetic influence and environmental impact proves elusive.

The Measurement of Inherited Traits: Unraveling the Mysteries of Heritability

The concept of “heritability” serves as a metric to gauge the influence of genes on human characteristics and traits, graded on a scale from 0.0 to 1.0. Traits highly influenced by genetics, such as eye color, rank as 1.0 on this scale, while traits unrelated to genetics, like regional accents in speech, receive a ranking of 0. Most human characteristics fall within the 0.30 to 0.60 range, reflecting a dynamic interplay of genetic (nature) and environmental (nurture) factors.

In ancient times, illustrious Greek philosophers like Plato held the belief in “innate knowledge” present within the human mind at birth. Anecdotally, parents witness innate characteristics in newborns, and it may appear that a child’s “Big 5” personality traits, encompassing agreeableness, conscientiousness, extraversion, neuroticism, and openness, were predetermined before birth.

The perspective of “nature” gains support from this notion of innate traits present at birth, resonating with Plato’s philosophical doctrine of innatism. However, contemporary understanding acknowledges the dynamic nature of personality, influenced and molded by environmental factors (“nurture”). Exposure to environmental elements, such as lead during childhood, can indeed alter personality traits.

Recent research has shed light on the dynamic nature of personality traits. A meta-analysis examining genetic and environmental influences on personality development throughout the human lifespan unveiled that people undergo significant changes as they age. While early childhood traits exhibit relative stability, adolescence, and young adulthood herald significant shifts in personality traits.

The Journey of Nurture: An Exploration of Environmental Impact

“Nurture” embraces the wide array of external or environmental factors that shape human development, encompassing upbringing, socioeconomic status, early childhood experiences, education, and daily habits. Although the term “nurture” may evoke images of tender care and nurturing by parents during infancy and childhood, environmental influences and life experiences continue to impact psychological and physical well-being across the entire human lifespan.

In adulthood, nurturing oneself through making healthy lifestyle choices can counterbalance certain genetic predispositions. A notable study in May 2022 revealed that individuals with a high genetic risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease could mitigate their likelihood of developing dementia by adopting seven healthy habits in midlife: staying active, maintaining a healthy diet, losing weight, refraining from smoking, regulating blood sugar levels, managing cholesterol levels, and maintaining healthy blood pressure.

In conclusion, the age-old nature vs. nurture debate remains a captivating journey through the realms of genetics and environmental impact. Contemporary perspectives transcend the simplistic dichotomy, recognizing the intricate interplay between nature and nurture in shaping the rich tapestry of human characteristics and development. As we navigate this labyrinth of complexities, we embrace the harmonious symphony of both forces, acknowledging their joint role in sculpting the marvel that is human nature.

How Does Nature vs Nurture Child Development Process Works

Are we the sole architects of our child’s personality? Does our every action hold a significant impact on their being? In this enlightening discussion, Professor Angelica Ronald delves into the evidence surrounding the age-old debate of nature versus nurture.

In the days of yore, children were perceived as “blank slates,” ready to be molded by parental influence (Pinker, 2016). This notion placed immense pressure on parents, implying that their every decision, be it minuscule or monumental, would leave an indelible mark on their child’s destiny.

Today, we understand that children are not malleable blank slates awaiting parental craftsmanship. Their genetic makeup, inherited from the moment of conception, plays a profound role in shaping their behavior and personality (Knopik et al, 2017). Nature’s intricate dance, intertwined with their genes, influences all aspects of their being.

Yet, genes do not wield complete dominion over a child’s fate, as no behavioral or personality traits are 100% heritable (Polderman et al, 2015). Instead, genes confer tendencies, like sleeping behavior or personality traits, which then interact with the environment to produce the final outcome.

Parenting, it turns out, is not devoid of significance, but its role is more nuanced than previously believed. Nature and nurture both share the stage in a delicate duet, where parental actions and a child’s genetic makeup intertwine harmoniously (Duncan, 2014).

Each child elicits unique responses from their caregivers, partly influenced by their genetic predispositions—an evocative gene-environment correlation (Plomin and Bergeman, 1991). Moreover, children actively seek environments that align with their genetic background—an active gene-environment correlation (Plomin and Bergeman, 1991).

Understanding the dynamic interplay of nature and nurture in child development holds profound implications for families. Parents often attribute every aspect of their child’s behavior to their own actions, but this holistic perspective reminds us that genetics also play a significant role (Feero et al, 2010). Recognizing this empowers parents to appreciate their child as an individual, understanding that certain aspects lie beyond their direct control.

The enigma of sibling differences finds illumination through this nuanced lens. Siblings, sharing half of their genetic influences, possess distinct genetic makeups, contributing to their uniqueness (Plomin and Daniels, 2011). Their diverse reactions to parenting styles and preferences for different environments add to their individuality despite the same upbringing.

From family patterns to inherited behaviors and sleep patterns, nature and nurture offer insights into the phenomena that run in families. Although research on genetic influences in infancy is still developing (Papageorgiou and Ronald, 2017), the interplay of genetics and environment becomes increasingly apparent.

While genes play a role in shaping our children, it does not render parental influence futile. Many aspects are influenced by our genes but can still be supported or addressed through environmental adjustments. For instance, inherited sleep problems can find resolution through environmental changes, such as bedtime routines and black-out blinds (Semple, 2008).

In the intricate tapestry of child development, quantifying the exact balance between nature and nurture proves elusive. It emerges as a harmonious dance of both forces, showcasing the dynamic nature of human essence. As a parent, you remain a significant partner in your child’s journey, but take solace in knowing that not everything you do or don’t do will shape them entirely.

Genetics contribute to all traits

The researchers uncovered that heritability of traits was not randomly distributed, but rather grouped into clusters.

Neurological, ophthalmological, and skeletal traits emerged as highly heritable, whereas traits related to values and attitudes displayed lower heritability, implying that environmental factors exert a stronger influence in shaping such attributes.

Proposing a shift away from the traditional “nature vs nurture debate,” lead co-author Dr. Beben Benyamin from the University of Queensland in Australia advocates embracing a perspective of “nature and nurture” in tandem.

Overall, the study’s findings suggest that all studied traits have some degree of genetic effect, with approximately two-thirds of their expression solely attributable to cumulative genetic influences.

Dr. Benyamin elucidates that “Genetics contribute to all traits – the difference is, by how much.”

The research, published in Nature Genetics, encompassed studies conducted between 1958 and 2012, incorporating data from over 14 million twins worldwide to exemplify nature vs nurture child development.

Using a classical twin-study design, the researchers compared non-identical to identical twins, capitalizing on the assumption that while environmental factors may be similar for each twin pair, the genetic composition differs for non-identical twins.

Such studies allow for the identification of genetic heritability effects.

However, the authors emphasize that relying solely on twin studies falls short of explaining why certain traits may deviate from a straightforward genetic inheritance pattern.

They advocate the need for more extensive data, drawn from large population samples equipped with comprehensive phenotypic and DNA sequence information, meticulous measures of environmental exposures, and broader pedigrees encompassing non-twin relationships.

Nativism (Extreme Nature Position)

Nativism, often associated with the extreme nature position, advocates for the significance of innate knowledge and inherent characteristics shaping our minds and personality traits even before birth. Taking this notion to an extreme, the concepts of nativism fueled the racially-biased eugenics movement during the early 20th century. The unsettling ideas of “selective breeding” and arranged breeding gained momentum until World War II, when the horrifying atrocities of the Nazis’ ethnic cleansing shed light on the dangers of such ideologies.

Empiricism (Extreme Nurture Position)

In stark contrast to nativism, the philosophy of empiricism, championed by philosopher John Locke’s tabula rasa theory in 1689, rejects the idea of innate knowledge. Tabula rasa, meaning “blank slate,” proposes that our minds lack inherent knowledge at birth. Locke, an empiricist, posits that all knowledge is derived from sensory experiences, education, and day-to-day encounters after birth.

However, contemporary views on nature vs. nurture have evolved beyond the confines of black-and-white terms, recognizing the inadequacy of a simplistic dichotomy. The interplay of nature and nurture spans a myriad of shades of gray, intricately blending genetics and environmental influences in shaping one’s unique characteristics and cognitive workings.

Characteristics influence how their mind works.

Attempting to disentangle the influences of nature and nurture within psychology proves an enigma, exemplified by scenarios like a person growing up in a household with an alcoholic parent prone to rage attacks. The eventual development of a substance use disorder and difficulties with emotion regulation in adulthood raises questions about how much genetics (nature) or adverse childhood experiences (nurture) contributed to these outcomes.

Epigenetics Blurs the Line Between Nature and Nurture

Epigenetics emerges as a revolutionary concept, blurring the boundaries between nature and nurture. The term “epigenetics,” meaning “on top of genetics,” explores how external factors and experiences can activate or suppress genes. Throughout life, epigenetic mechanisms modify DNA’s physical structure, even after birth, underscoring the dynamic nature of genetic material and its susceptibility to environmental influences. For instance, exposure to cannabis during critical developmental periods can impact the risk of neuropsychiatric diseases through epigenetic mechanisms.

Which is stronger: nature or nurture?

Inquiring minds frequently ponder the strength of nature vs. nurture. In truth, both are formidable influences, with genetics accounting for approximately half of human characteristics and external factors contributing to the other half. Attempting to isolate their individual impact remains futile, as they entwine to shape our identity and destiny in an inseparable dance.

What is the difference between nature and nurture in development?

The distinction between nature and nurture in development hinges on genetic factors (nature) and external or environmental factors (nurture). While some traits, like eye color and skin pigmentation, align with nature due to their inherited nature, language, and regional accents are acquired through nurture, and shaped by external influences.

What are some examples of nature vs. nurture?

The intricate interplay between nature and nurture finds manifestation in traits like having an aggressive temperament. In light of contemporary psychologist Albert Bandura’s social learning theory, nurture plays a pivotal role in learning aggression through observation and imitation.

Final thought

Nature vs. nurture serves as a framework to probe how genetics (nature) and environmental factors (nurture) intertwine to influence human development and personality traits. Yet, the intricacies of this interaction defy simplistic categorization, encompassing a harmonious blend of both forces. A nurturing environment can have profound lifelong benefits, fostering love and connection in infancy, while self-nurturing can be cultivated in adulthood to embrace change and make healthier life choices.

Nature vs. nurture defies simplistic definitions, inviting exploration of the multifaceted interplay between genetics and environment in shaping our essence. As we navigate the complexities of this debate, we embrace the mosaic of forces that mold our individuality, paving the way for self-nurturing and personal growth in the ever-changing tapestry of human existence.