The nature versus nurture theory in psychology is one the most well known debates. The nature side in the development of personality refers to an individual's genes and hereditary factors whereas the nurture side focuses on environmental variables and experiences. Both variations of the two can lead to psychiatric disorders or illnesses. Furthermore the debate about whether nature or nurture has more of an effect on personality was influenced by psychologist, Francis Galton. Although the nature versus nurture debate looks at psychology in a broad sense, the main focus will be effects on behavior and the mind.
The nurture side of the argument represents the idea of John Locke’s tabula rasa, the basis of a blank slate. Locke strongly believed individuals receive all knowledge from events around them, including social and emotional behavior. (Duschinsky n.pag.). Certain situations may cause developing mental conditions such as mood disorders, eating disorders, or personality disorders to become more prominent. People with psychiatric disorders often have trouble accepting life events. Something as simple as ending a relationship can trigger episodes of …show more content…
Although, psychiatric disorders do not often manifest until later in life, psychologist and writer, Benjamin Wolman says, “Mental disorders can be divided into three large categories related to their origins. Those that originate in the organism through heredity or through interaction with the physical environment (injuries, poisons, and so on) are ‘somatogenic’ (soma - means body).” (Wolman n.pag.). Furthermore imbalances in the frontal lobe of the brain often cause low serotonin levels, which acts as a stabilizer. A study by Harvard University showed irregularities in brain activity among individuals with violent tendencies. Low serotonin levels often lead to these violent outbursts. (Barett n.pag.). add trans
The nurture side of the argument represents the idea of John Locke’s tabula rasa, the basis of a blank slate. Locke strongly believed individuals receive all knowledge from events around them, including social and emotional behavior. (Duschinsky n.pag.). Certain situations may cause developing mental conditions such as mood disorders, eating disorders, or personality disorders to become more prominent. People with psychiatric disorders often have trouble accepting life events. Something as simple as ending a relationship can trigger episodes of …show more content…
Although, psychiatric disorders do not often manifest until later in life, psychologist and writer, Benjamin Wolman says, “Mental disorders can be divided into three large categories related to their origins. Those that originate in the organism through heredity or through interaction with the physical environment (injuries, poisons, and so on) are ‘somatogenic’ (soma - means body).” (Wolman n.pag.). Furthermore imbalances in the frontal lobe of the brain often cause low serotonin levels, which acts as a stabilizer. A study by Harvard University showed irregularities in brain activity among individuals with violent tendencies. Low serotonin levels often lead to these violent outbursts. (Barett n.pag.). add trans