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