How Nature and Nurture Influence Human Development

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The question regarding nature or nurture influencing human behavior and development has been the subject of intense debate for almost a century.

There have been advocates for nature or genetic inheritance being the dominant force governing behavior, and others proposing nurture or environment as primary influence. It appears the current feeling rests between a combination of the two.

The U.S. Public Health Service, in a report by the surgeon general, presents studies detailing the complexities involved in providing definitive answers. Given the type of intricate knowledge required in fields of biological, psychological and sociocultural aspects of human development, expertise in all areas would be necessary. It is suggested that the entire range of understanding of human development would be required, encompassing aspects of gene expression, the interaction between molecules and cells, to cognition, memory, emotion and language.

It is understood that there is an overlap or interplay between the influence of genetics and environment, with further theory suggesting that nature can actually influence nurture, and nurture can influence nature. Nature falls within the realm of biology, genetics and that which is hereditary, while nurture is understood as the sensory and physical environment within which the human development is taking place. Within the complex studies of cells and biogenetics, environment may also refer to the cellular environment.

Studies cited by the Surgeon General’s report suggest patterns in the brain can change through circumstances and environmental situations. Animal models have been used as experimental exercises to detect what happens to brain structure and how the nervous system functions according to environment. Further studies assess what happens to brain function once learning takes place and how this process affects behavior and development.

The Human Genome Project, an initiative of the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Institute of Health, further discusses to what extent nature and nurture affect human behavior and development. Indications that behavior has a biological or nature basis may be seen in the fact that behaviors are often species specific, as well as some behavior patterns appear to be inherited through family lines. Furthermore, it is claimed that certain biological processes can create an altered behavior response as in the case of brain injury or mental illness.

Mental health research covers investigations into the extent to which nature and nurture affect behavior and also influence each other. In scientific experiments, it has been seen that repeated stress affects areas of the brain, specifically the hippocampus. Stress-related disorders may create what is perceived to be irreversible atrophy.

Behavioral genetics is an intensive study to ascertain the predominance of biological compared to environmental influence on human development. The Human Genome Project presents research to address the question whether behavior is the result of a genetic predisposition or to what extent the environment plays an active role. It is suggested that it is not a simple ‘either-or’ situation, but rather that there is a complex interaction. Thus, it is stated that human behavior and development, mental disorders, or any specific human characteristic involves a combination of both genetic and environmental factors. Further, if someone has a particular genetic predisposition this does not mean that it needs to manifest in action. This has an impact in some social, political and legal situations where genetic determinism is sometimes given as cause for certain behavior.

An interesting example that has often been given to look at the nature and nurture influence on human development is in the case of feral children who are raised by lion or bears; or children raised in isolation. These studies seem to suggest that nurture is predominantly responsible for their behavior patterns. These children function as per the norm of the environment in which they have been raised. However, it is also seen that it is possible to teach human skills and behavior and they may be reeducated. There is a complex interplay between nurture, the method and place of upbringing, plus learning and nature, the brain function regarding language and other development in this case. The significance of the parenting role is also highlighted with regard to human behavior and development.

Resources about the Nature Verse Nurture Argument

Kevin Davies Nature vs Nurture Revisited. The most shocking surprise that emerged from the full sequence of the human genome earlier this year is that we are the proud owners of a paltry 30,000 genes — barely twice the number of a fruit fly.

Teacher Lesson Plan about the Film Nova: Secret of the Wild Child which explores the nature verse nurture debate.

Article NATURE VS. NURTURE: HOW MUCH FREE WILL DO REALLY WE HAVE? Overview of the article: In the summer of 1994 Time magazine’s cover story featured a scientific tale about the genetic underpinnings of human infidelity. In case you missed the punch line, it goes something like this: Individuals’ most basic drive involves insuring that their genetic codes survive death, that motivations to make a billion bucks or to be the most wonderful person in the world are really attempts to attract the “right” person with whom to transfer genes into the next generation. Men and women are by nature supposedly fairly promiscuous apes.

Shady Guirguis More debate about Nature Vs Nurture. The nature versus nurture issue has been around for ages, and scholars have still not concluded which of the two has a greater effect on a person.

Resource by AnnaBelle

Annalise Kaylor is a freelance writer, editor, and consultant specializing in search engine optimized content for the web. As a writer, her work has appeared across the United States in print ads for Whirlpool, Maytag, Home Depot, and Lowe's, among others. As a consultant, she has worked primarily in the education sector, helping universities increase their web visibility and construct and implement social media strategy. Annalise is an avid reader, knitter, organic gardener and baker, as well as the author of the popular baking blog, Knead To Be Loaved. Annalise enjoys fly fishing, camping, and hiking.

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