Genetic Influences on Personality

Are people’s personalities and characteristics affected more by genetics or environments? This century old question, commonly known as the “nature vs. nurture” debate, continues even with today’s sophisticated research methods. Behavior genetics, or the study of the affects of genes and environments have on behavior, has now become a research field in itself (Myers 66). One reason for indefinite research results comes from the lack of subjects that fit the research requirements. Good test subjects would consist of two siblings, or twins, separated at or close to birth and raised in different environments (Myers 67). Finding such people is not impossible, but usually the siblings have been raised in two different situations neither environment providing a control subject. Creating subjects for the experiments would involve separating children from parents and family at birth and raising them in a controlled environment (Myers 67). While finding more definite answers to the “nature vs. nurture” debate would be exciting, it would be unethical to raise children specifically for research (Myers 67). 

Even though researchers cannot create subjects for study, it does not mean subjects cannot be found. Adults adopted as children provide good test subjects. Tests can show whether the adoptee resembles their biological or environmental parents more. All of this to say, environmental factors do play a role in developing a person’s personality, but much of their personality is hereditary. In an article about genetics and characteristics, Thomas Bouchard wrote, “Discussions regarding genetic influences on psychological traits are not about whether there is genetic influence, but rather about how much influence there is” (148). The following is an example of genetic personality traits. 

My Grandmother, Jennet, who was raised in a small town in Mississippi during the great depression, learned to live with hardship. Growing up, she only had two dresses, one for school and one for Sunday. She grew accustomed to sharing a room with five other siblings. Her life was filled with a need for everyday necessities. There was never extra or superfluous essentials. Growing up in this environment, Jennet became self-sufficient and frugal. As far as personality goes, Jennet was sarcastic, domineering, and degrading toward others. While her environment could have contributed to her personality, Jennet’s personality appears to be hereditary. 

Jennet married in her early twenties and had three children, including the only boy whom they named John. John was born toward the end of the baby boomers in the late 1950s. He grew up in a family that followed southern tradition. They were not a religious family but went to church every Sunday and celebrated the major holidays. While not outright prejudiced, John’s family saw minorities as inferior people. Unlike Jennet’s dad, John’s father was a successful businessperson; therefore he never experienced a need for material things. During his childhood, John lead a normal life living in a South Texas neighborhood, attending public school, and participating in athletics. While his parents provided for him and let him pursue his interests, John’s parents did not show much affection toward him. Though raised in different environments, Jennet and John had very similar personalities. Like Jennet, John was sarcastic and degrading towards others.