Nature vs. nurture: which is really the most important?
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, CDCES, MBA
Ever meet a newborn who already has a personality of their own? If so, you may have wondered about nature vs. nurture. Explore the big question of who decides who we really are.
It seems like some traits are just ingrained in us from the time we come into the world. You can see it in families where siblings were raised the same but are so unique. Maybe all three kids grew up in the same home and go to the same school, yet they have completely different interests, personalities, and demeanors.
On the other hand, we change a lot over the course of one lifetime. We might be born into our homes, but we are raised by our lives. School, extra curriculars, travel, the people we meet, friends, partners… they all change us.
So it begs the question, what really makes us who we are? Is it nature or nurture?
What is nature vs. nurture?
Nature vs. nurture is a long-standing debate about what shapes us as people and whether we’re most influenced by what we inherit from our parents and relatives, or by how we’re raised.
Our nature is the traits we’re born with. These may come from our genes, which we inherit from our parents, and are already part of us when we’re born. Maybe one of your parents is musical and so you have an aptitude for music. On the other side of the spectrum, how our parents raise us, the friends we make, the schools we go to, and the culture we live in is what makes up the nurture element. Maybe that musical parent exclusively listens to jazz, but through your friendships you determine you’re more of a fan of pop music.
The nature vs. nurture debate has been going on for a long time because it’s not always easy to tell which one matters more. Some people think our genetics are the most important, while others believe our environment and experiences are what truly shape us.
The debate on nature vs. nurture
While it’s interesting to consider the concept of nature vs. nurture, there are some problematic elements to only advocating for one side and not both. If you believe that everyone is who they are from birth, the subtext implies that someone cannot ever grow and change. And if you believe that environment is the only factor in how a person turns out, then anyone with a difficult childhood or past trauma is totally out of luck.
We see examples in life all the time of people who had rough childhoods but turned out to be prolific artists or successful business people. You also see people who had every possible advantage growing up end up feeling lost and unfocused in life.
In the past, some people believed that everything about us was set at birth by our genes. Others thought that we were born as blank slates — wholly influenced by our environment. Today, most scientists and psychologists agree that nature and nurture work together. Your genes might give you a starting point, but your environment influences how those traits develop.
Research, like studies on twins who are raised apart, often shows how the same genetics can result in very different outcomes, depending on the environments they grow up in. So, while we can’t change our genetics, we can control our environment and experiences — and these can influence how we develop.
10 examples of nature vs. nurture
Genetics can affect our appearance, personality, and even some of our abilities. But, no matter how you slice it, we’re also influenced by our experiences. Here are some IRL examples of the ways nature and nurture can show up in our lives.
Nature (genetic traits)
Physical traits: Eye color, hair color, height, and the shape of your eyes, or nose come from your genes. If both your parents have brown eyes, there's a good chance you will too. And if your folks are tall, you're likely to be tall as well. These traits are set by your DNA, and while things like nutrition can play a role, they're mostly determined from birth.
Personality traits: Research suggests that certain traits, like being outgoing or more introverted, can run in families. If your parents are shy and quiet, you might end up being similar. Or if they’re super energetic and social, you could be that way as well. While your personality isn’t defined at birth, your genes definitely play a role in shaping who you are.
Intelligence: Research shows that genetics can influence intelligence, and can be passed down from parents to kids. So, if your parents are great at solving problems or quickly learning new skills, you might find those abilities come naturally to you. But the environment you grow up in—like your schools, the support you receive, and your access to books—also shapes your intelligence.
Health conditions: If conditions like heart disease or diabetes run in your family, you might be more likely to develop them. This doesn't mean you'll definitely get an illness, as your lifestyle—how you eat, exercise, and handle stress—can influence your overall health.
Talents and abilities: If your parents are musicians, you might have a good ear for music, or if they're athletes, you may be more sporty. But these natural talents need nurturing to really shine.
Nurture (environmental factors)
Family and home environment: The way we're raised, the values instilled by our parents, and the emotional support we receive all influence our confidence, behavior, and outlook on life. Children raised in loving, supportive homes tend to feel secure and develop better self-esteem. Parents who show affection, set clear boundaries, and encourage their children help them grow up feeling confident and capable.
Education and learning opportunities: The schools we go to, the teachers who guide us, and the chances we get to learn new stuff all shape our skills and knowledge. A child with access to good education, supportive teachers, and activities like music or sports can really develop their talents and interests. If parents and teachers encourage a kid who loves drawing, provide art supplies, and let them take art classes, they’re likely to improve their skills. But without those chances, their talent might not flourish as much.
Social relationships: Positive social connections with friends, classmates, and family can boost confidence, improve communication, and build empathy: a child with kind, supportive friends is likely to feel more confident and happy and develop valuable skills like sharing, problem-solving, and teamwork. Negative experiences, such as bullying or exclusion, can harm self-esteem and make it hard to trust others.
Culture and society: The traditions, language, and customs around us influence our worldview and what we prioritize. Growing up in a culture that values education may encourage someone to study harder, while a family-oriented culture can impact their approach to relationships. Societal norms, like definitions of "normal" or "successful," also influence our actions.
Life experiences: Major events—like moving to a new city, losing someone close, or overcoming challenges—can change how we view the world and handle future situations. These experiences build resilience, develop empathy, and teach important life lessons. Even everyday experiences, like learning a new skill, making friends, or solving problems, can impact our growth and development.
What are the effects of nature vs. nurture in daily life?
While our genes provide the foundation for who we are, our experiences and environment also shape how we grow and behave over time. Basically, nature and nurture are always working together. The way that nature and nurture affect us can vary from person to person, but there are some classic examples and commonalities most people will experience.
Child development and emotional growth
Genetics impact physical growth, temperament, and milestone achievements, while the environment significantly shapes how these traits evolve.
A naturally curious child can become more inquisitive with encouragement and stimulating resources, while a shy child may develop social skills in a supportive setting.
The overall environment—whether loving or chaotic—affects emotional growth, with safe and supportive surroundings promoting self-esteem and confidence.
💙 If you need a confidence boost, explore 7 Days of Self-Esteem series with Tamara Levitt.
Mental health and wellbeing
Some people are born with a genetic predisposition to issues like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. If a parent has faced these challenges, their child may be more likely to.
However, environment and life experiences can also trigger or help prevent these conditions. Someone with a genetic tendency toward anxiety might not experience severe symptoms if they’re raised in a supportive, low-stress environment. Conversely, high stress or trauma might “activate” that predisposition, leading to more serious mental health issues for that person.
💙 Taking care of your mental health and wellbeing is critically important. Try boosting your mental health through movement with our Mental Health Walk.
Overall personality
Some people are naturally outgoing and social, while others are more introverted or shy. These traits could come from genetics, but could also be shaped by our environment and experiences.
You’ve probably seen examples of the outgoing kid who has two introverted parents, or the kid who’s very shy when their parents are very social. The truth is there’s no hard and fast rule here. Sometimes people just are who they are.
Learn what the Big Five personality traits are and why they matter.
Relationships
More often than not, loving, communicative parents are going to raise a well adjusted child. A person raised in a household where open communication and affection are common may find it easier to form close relationships and trust others. Here are the four attachment styles in adult relationships you should know about.
With that said, if someone has grown up in an emotionally distant environment, they might struggle to build bonds or trust others. In some cases you could have a child who has one emotionally distant parent, and one really open and affectionate parent, in these cases a person might crave stable partnership, or close friendships, while also not trusting if it’s possible.
💙 Navigating relationships isn’t always easy. Get all the pro-tips from our Relationship with Others series
Skills and abilities
Someone might be born with a natural talent for music or sports because of their genetics. But without practice, lessons, and encouragement, they might not develop those talents to their full potential. In that way, nature only gets you so far.
But, even if someone isn’t born with a particular talent, they can still develop new skills through practice and learning. When we explore the idea that we can always learn new skills and talents, it’s exciting to explore the world.
If you want to build your knowledge and learn something new every day, explore these seven tips for a curious mind.
Nature vs. nurture FAQs
What is the argument for nurture over nature?
The case for nurture argues that our environment and experiences shape us more than our genes. Supporters believe that while we may be born with certain tendencies, it’s our upbringing, the people we meet, and our life experiences that define us.
A child might have the potential to excel in sports, but without proper guidance, practice, and encouragement, that talent may never develop.
Nurture advocates also emphasize the power of change. They argue that with the right support and opportunities, anyone can grow and improve, regardless of their starting point. A child who struggles in school can still succeed with the right help.
This perspective suggests that with the right environment, anyone can overcome challenges and reach their full potential. Here are 15 mindful ways to overcome adversity.
How does the nature vs. nurture debate impact parenting styles?
The nature vs. nurture debate shapes how parents raise their kids. Those who believe in nature usually focus on spotting and supporting their child's natural traits and talents. If a kid shows a knack for music, these parents feel convinced they were born with that talent.
Parents who lean toward nurture believe their child's future depends on the opportunities and experiences they provide. This might mean they encourage them to try out various activities like sports, music, or art to promote growth and skill development.
Most parents, though, find a mix of both approaches works best. They recognize that kids come with certain traits, but are also influenced by their environment. They try to create a supportive space where their child's natural abilities can shine, while giving them help to grow in other areas.
How does nature vs. nurture relate to child development?
In child development, both nature and nurture work together to shape a child’s growth. Nature influences physical traits like height and eye color, as well as some personality characteristics, such as being outgoing or shy. However, nurture—a child’s family, schools, and social circles—shapes how these traits develop over time.
A child raised in a supportive home where curiosity is encouraged is likely to grow more confident and eager to learn. Similarly, children with access to quality education and growth opportunities can refine their natural abilities and discover new talents.
Kids raised in loving and stable environments tend to develop strong self-esteem and form healthy relationships. But children who experience neglect or stress may struggle emotionally as they grow. While nature sets the stage, nurture shapes how children develop and who they become.
Are certain traits more influenced by nature or nurture?
Some traits are influenced more by nature, while others are shaped by nurture. Physical traits like eye color, height, and hair type are mostly determined by genetics.
However, traits like personality and intelligence result from a mix of nature and nurture. A shy child might become more confident in a supportive, social environment, while an outgoing child could become even more social if encouraged to make friends and try new things.
Can nature and nurture be separated in psychological research?
It’s difficult to completely separate nature and nurture in psychological research since they’re closely linked. Researchers have tried to determine whether genetics or environment are more influential in traits like personality, intelligence, and behavior. By comparing identical twins raised in different environments, scientists can see how much of their behavior is influenced by genetics (nature) versus their surroundings (nurture). These studies show that while genetics are important, the environment can create differences.
Scientists have recognized that nature and nurture work hand in hand — you can’t examine one without considering the other. Now, most modern research focuses on how nature and nurture work together rather than trying to completely divide them.
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