July 16, 2024 7 min read

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    The apple doesn't fall far from the tree –or does it? Are we, in fact, born captive to our parental genes, or do parenting styles play a greater role in our individual development? The nature versus nurture debate is as old as time and still triggers heated arguments. While some believe in the supremacy of a person's genetic makeup, others find environmental influences prevalent.

    While this debate may never be settled, exploring both genetic components and external factors can give us valuable insight into many aspects, including health conditions. Let's dive deep into the nature versus nurture discussion, and evaluate the importance of genetic testing.

    Introduction to the Nature vs. Nurture Debate

    The nature vs. nurture debate exists not only in genetics but in biology in general, as well as psychology and sociology. It centers on the importance of pre-wired genetic factors (innate factors) and experiences (external factors) in a person’s physical and behavioral traits.

    Defining Nature and Nurture

    In this context, nature refers to a person's genetic background, which cannot be changed or affected. It comprises genes and important hereditary factors that largely influence our development, personal traits, and predispositions to certain conditions. Many also believe biological setup shapes our views, talents, personalities, and physical features.[1]

    On the other hand, the nurture factor represents the environmental influence on our mental, emotional, and behavioral development: parental styles, early childhood experiences, and the relationships between family members comprise this category. While physical appearance is influenced purely by genetic traits, behavior is essentially a mix of both genes and environmental influences.[1]

    Historical Context of the Debate

    According to Francis Galton, Charles Darwin's cousin, “There is no escape from the conclusion that nature prevails enormously over nurture.”[2] Galton introduced twin studies as an excellent method of evaluating the roles both nature and nurture play in personal development.[3]

    Based on the theory of heredity, Galton ignored the differences between monozygotic (identical) and dizygotic (fraternal) twins. In this twin study including questionnaires from 94 sets of twins, Galton concluded that, even though twins may have different personalities, the difference is "in the keynote, not in the melody."[5]

    Galton's Twin Theory

    Contrary to Galton, the Soviet biologist Trofim Lysenko - inspired by Marxist biology - favored nurture over nature, agreeing with Aristotle. Plato, on the other hand, found that humans are born with knowledge and abstract ideas. The conflicting arguments of Aristotle and Plato inspired a well-known division regarding the origins of knowledge.[4]

    Modern Understanding of the Nature vs. Nurture Debate

    Nowadays, the debate is usually no longer seen as a simple either-or proposition, with most experts recognizing the interplay between both nature and nurture.

    Modern understanding of the debate recognizes the complex relationship between genetic and environmental factors, without favoring either of the "opposing" sides.

    There are, however, movements and theories that prefer to emphasize the supremacy of a single approach.[1]

    • Biopsychology focuses heavily on the influence of neurotransmitters on behavior, while social psychology and behaviorism prioritize external factors.
    • In his theory of language acquisition, Noam Chomsky explained how every child has an innate ability to learn and produce language, favoring the nature factor.
    • Albert Bandura's Bobo doll experiment showcased the power of demonstration and how quickly children can acquire aggressive behavior patterns just by being exposed to them.
    • Biological theories of personality development stress the significance of genetic background, whereas, according to behaviorists, personality is shaped by social interactions.
    • Mental health conditions appear to be a common ground for both nature and nurture factors, as many conditions are genetically influenced; while outside factors such as trauma and substance abuse lead to increased risk.
    • It is also a mixture of genes, family health history, and the environmental influences that are observed in mental health therapy.

    The Role of Epigenetics in the Debate

    For decades, it was believed that genes are undeniable, unchangeable, and completely immune to external factors such as social settings and relationships. Epigenetics debunked these myths, proving that early childhood experiences can affect gene expression, and even determine whether they're expressed at all.[6]

    Early Childhood Experiences

    The life experiences we go through in the early stages of childhood determine the amount of expressed genes. More specifically, epigenetic inheritance largely affects the chemical marks in the DNA, influencing our behavior, skills, intelligence, and health. This is precisely why even genetically identical twins can exert completely different forms of behavior, as well as personalities.[6]

    Genetic Information vs. Environmental Influences

    Genetic factors can increase the risk of developing certain diseases, as well as predispositions to various conditions. Genetic testing can reveal predisposition factors regarding[7]:

    • diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's
    • intelligence
    • athleticism
    • cancer risk
    • genetic conditions including birth defects, hemophilia, muscular dystrophy, Turner syndrome, Down syndrome, and cystic fibrosis[8]

    Genetic Variants and Their Impact

    Genetic variants can affect how genes are expressed, leading to differences in traits and susceptibility to diseases. They may also influence an individual’s response to environmental factors.

    A genetic variation can be defined as a change in a person's genetic makeup, but not every gene variant will lead to a disease. It is also important to understand that genetic change can be a result of genetic inheritance or a certain event later in life.[9]

    1. Hereditary genetic variants, also known as germline variants, are inherited from parents and exist in every single cell in the body.[9] These variants include certain traits such as eye color, skin color, and blood type. What's more, susceptibility to some cancer types, including breast cancer, gastric cancer, prostate cancer, and melanoma is also attributed to inherited gene mutations.
    2. Non-inherited genetic variants, on the other hand, are somatic variants. Unlike gene variants that parents transmit, they are not inherited, nor can they be passed to the following generation. These changes are triggered by external, environmental influences, including UV radiation, infection, toxins, stress, and substance abuse.[9] Many health conditions stem from non-inherited gene changes, including certain cancer types, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and schizophrenia.[10]
    Parenting Styles and Gene Expression

    The Impact of the Environment

    Environmental factors, such as upbringing and life experiences, can shape an individual’s personality and behavior. Environmental influences, as previously explained, can also affect gene expression, leading to changes in traits and susceptibility to diseases. The most potent environmental factors include[11]:

    • parenting styles
    • exposure to stress and trauma
    • housing conditions
    • diet
    • pollution
    • financial and social status
    • substance abuse
    • lack of emotional support and parental care

    The Role of Genetic Testing in Understanding Nature vs. Nurture

    Genetic testing can provide valuable information about an individual’s genetic makeup and risk of developing certain diseases. What's more, it can also help you base your decisions about medical care and prevention strategies on facts. 

    In addition to health risks and predispositions, DNA tests can also provide valuable insight into your ancestry, and give you tailored diet, wellness, fitness, and skincare recommendations.

    DNA Tests for Tailored Skincare Advice

    At-home DNA testing is non-invasive, quick, and confidential. When you order a test, you will receive a testing kit to safely gather a sample of your DNA–usually a saliva sample. The sample is then sent into a lab, and the results come back to you fully interpreted. 

    LifeDNA offers an array of detailed tests to fully grasp your wellness needs and optimize your self-care rituals. The report options include genetic insight into:

    • antioxidant status
    • caffeine, gluten, sodium sensitivity
    • vitamin levels and supplement recommendations
    • aerobic capacity, metabolic rate, and insulin sensitivity
    • personality, intelligence, and behavior parameters
    • wellness factors such as inflammatory response
    • skincare concerns including wrinkles, acne, dryness, and cellulite

    The Final Verdict: Nature vs. Nurture

    A person born with a genetic predisposition for an athletic career may not be able to pursue it due to poor financial status. Even the best socioeconomic conditions may not be enough to enable a person to become a successful painter, no matter the time, money, and patience invested. In underprivileged areas, an undernourished child's height gene might not reach its full potential.

    While certain traits are strictly genetically determined, it cannot be said that nature dominates the nurture factor, especially in behavior and personality development. Rather than deciding between the two factors, it makes much more sense to recognize their connection and co-dependence on one another.

    Genetic testing is an excellent strategy when it comes to exploring your family history and learning more about yourself and any potential health risks. Think of it as a key to the hidden scheme your persona is largely based on!

    Article References:

    1. Cherry, Kendra. “Nature vs. Nurture: Genetic and Environmental Influences.” Verywell Mind, 19 Oct. 2022, www.verywellmind.com/what-is-nature-versus-nurture-2795392#:~:text=Nature%20refers%20to%20how%20genetics.
    2. Plomin, Robert. “Beyond Nature versus Nurture.” Genetics and Mental Illness, 1996, pp. 29–50, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-0170-5_3. Accessed 10 May 2022.
    3. Badcock, Christopher Robert . “Nature-Nurture Controversy, History Of.” International Encyclopedia of the Social & Behavioral Sciences,2nd Edition, www.psychologytoday.com/sites/default/files/nature-nurture_controversy.pdf, https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-08-097086-8.03136-6.
    4. Lewkowicz, David J. “The Biological Implausibility of the Nature-Nurture Dichotomy & What It Means for the Study of Infancy.” Infancy : the official journal of the International Society on Infant Studies vol. 16,4 (2011): 331-367. doi:10.1111/j.1532-7078.2011.00079.x
    5. Waller, J. C. “Commentary: The Birth of the Twin Study--a Commentary on Francis Galton’s “the History of Twins.”” International Journal of Epidemiology, vol. 41, no. 4, 1 Aug. 2012, pp. 913–917, https://doi.org/10.1093/ije/dys100.
    6. Harvard University. “What Is Epigenetics? The Answer to the Nature vs. Nurture Debate.” Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, 2019, developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/what-is-epigenetics-and-how-does-it-relate-to-child-development/.
    7. Haith, Marshall M, and Janette B Benson. Encyclopedia of Infant and Early Childhood Development. London, Academic, 2008.
    8. Genetic Conditions.” Www.healthywa.wa.gov.au, www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/F_I/Genetic-conditions#:~:text=What%20is%20a%20genetic%20condition.
    9. MedlinePlus. “What Kinds of Gene Mutations Are Possible?: MedlinePlus Genetics.” Medlineplus.gov, 25 Mar. 2021, medlineplus.gov/genetics/understanding/mutationsanddisorders/possiblemutations/.
    10. What Are the Different Ways a Genetic Condition Can Be Inherited?: MedlinePlus Genetics.” Medlineplus.gov, medlineplus.gov/genetics/understanding/inheritance/inheritancepatterns/#:~:text=Such%20disorders%20usually%20do%20not. Accessed 16 July 2024.
    11. Ioanna Giannoukou. “Genetic Factors and Environmental Influences during Innovation Explosion on Personality Development. A Review.” Technium Social Sciences Journal, vol. 53, 9 Jan. 2024, pp. 192–205, https://doi.org/10.47577/tssj.v53i1.9577.



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