Constant interaction: nature and nurture united

The End of a Traditional Debate

The old idea that genes are set in stone or can completely determine development has finally been debunked.

Today, the nature-nurture controversy is no longer considered a valid debate in which one force must dominate.

Contemporary experts in psychology recognize that both nature and nurture play a critical role in each individual's psychological development.

It has been concluded that the answer is almost always that the two factors interact in ways that are incredibly complex and profound.

Epigenetics as a Bridge Between Genes and Environment

A fascinating new area of scientific research, known as epigenetics, has demonstrated how environmental influences can affect gene expression.

Epigenetics is the mechanism that turns genes on or off and, therefore, determines the functions that different cells will have of our body.

This mechanism does not change the DNA sequence itself, but rather involves the addition of chemical compounds that modify the way genetic instructions are used.

These modifications, which accumulate over time, are what explain why even genetically identical twins can exhibit different behaviors.

Life Experiences and Their Biological Impact

The diverse experiences that children have throughout their lives, especially during early development, constantly reorganize these chemical marks in their genes.

The environment in which a person develops, both before and after birth, provides very powerful experiences that chemically modify certain inherited genes.

Adverse experiences such as malnutrition or toxic stress are not forgotten, but are incorporated into the very architecture of the developing brain.

These biological memories, associated with epigenetic changes, can affect multiple organ systems and increase the risk of future health problems.

The Complex Dance between Inherited and Lived

Although genetic factors exert influences that are very powerful, environmental factors have the incredible ability to alter the genes that have been inherited.

In this way, the old dichotomy between nature and nurture dissolves, giving way to a vision of a constant, two-way interaction between the two forces.

We can no longer think of a clear-cut separation, but rather a complex dance in which our genes influence how we respond to the environment, and our environment in turn influences our genes.

This new understanding offers us a much more complete and hopeful vision, as it recognizes the power of positive experiences to shape healthy development.