Introduction
It should be noted that who a person is or his/her personality is often shaped by a blend of both genetic and environmental factors. People can exhibit distinct traits that can be analyzed to discern whether they originate from genetic or environmental sources. Thus, genetics sets a framework or boundaries, but there is plenty of room for variation within it shaped by the environment.
Main Body
Genetic factors often play a significant role in defining specific aspects of an individual’s personality; however, other traits can also be shaped largely by environmental conditions. It is stated that “nature refers to all of the genes and hereditary factors that influence who we are … nurture refers to all the environmental variables that impact who we are” (Chery, 2018, p. 1). Research has revealed that certain characteristics of an individual can be attributed to genetic factors with a statistically significant correlation (Clarke et al., 2018; Weinschenk & Dawes, 2019).
For example, one can have the genetic potential to be six feet tall, but he or she will not reach it without proper nutrition. In a similar vein, the same individual will not grow to be seven feet tall regardless of how well they eat, train, and rest. The same observation can be made about who we are in general regarding genes vs. environment; thus, one can be prone to be neurotic, but a relaxed lifestyle can easily mitigate it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, genetics can only partially explain who a person is; therefore, it leaves a substantial portion to be influenced by environmental factors. Nature often plays a predominant role in shaping specific traits as a frame; however, variations within it are primarily molded by the environment. A proper understanding of personality development requires an appreciation of the complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors.
References
Chery, K. (2018). The age old debate of nature vs. nurture [PDF document].
Clarke, T. K., Zeng, Y., Navrady, L., Xia, C., Haley, C., Campbell, A., Navarro, P., Amador, C., Adams, M. J., Howard, D. M., Soler, A., Hayward, C., Thomson, P. A., Smith, B. H., Padmanabhan, S., Hocking, L. J., Hall, L. S., Porteous, D. J., Deary, I. J., & McIntosh, A. M. (2018). Genetic and environmental determinants of stressful life events and their overlap with depression and neuroticism. Wellcome Open Research, 3(11), 1-17. Web.
Weinschenk, A. C., & Dawes, C. T. (2019). The genetic and psychological underpinnings of generalized social trust. Journal of Trust Research, 9(1), 47-65. Web.