Introduction
The question of what affects the formation of personality genes or upbringing has worried humanity since ancient times. This is due to the fact that it is challenging to separate the effect of genes and environmental factors. The results of the research conducted by specialists contradict the well-established belief among psychologists that influences the formation of identity more than genetics. Thus, it is essential to confirm the significant impact of natural forces on the formation of human identity.
My Position
It appears to me that a person’s identity development is affected to a considerable degree by natural factors. Scientists have approved that brain characteristics are inherited. The volume of the cerebral cortex is 85% genetic; it is responsible for processing human senses and consciousness and controls communication with the outside world. From 40% to 80% of cognitive flexibility, the ability to think about many things at once, rapidly switch from one to another, and adapt the mind to the situation is genetic (Knopik et al. 2017). Memory, attention, meaningfulness, self-confidence, amiability, cheerfulness, and anxiety are embedded in the DNA.
The Counterargument
It is essential to consider that the formation of character and personality is a long process that begins in infancy. In addition to heredity, it is significantly influenced by upbringing, family atmosphere, and environment. Parenting is accomplished through the individual’s psychosocial development, while the environment directly affects their self-esteem and identity formation. At the same time, scientists have studied more than 800 pairs of identical and opposite identical twins. They were offered a variety of questions, such as how they perceive themselves and others and how the opinion of authority figures impacts them. The researchers found that identical twins had similar personality traits twice as frequently as opposite twins, indicating a more substantial influence on their DNA (Knopik et al. 2017). Therefore, not a natural factor affects personality formation, but genetics plays a significant role.
Conclusion
Hence, geneticists, psychologists, and sociologists have not yet found a single point of view that significantly impacts a person and forms them as an individual. Genetically determined brain features ultimately predispose or create good conditions for developing abilities. The environment plays a role in how people perceive the world around them and themselves. Accordingly, the natural factors of genetic predisposition shape the identical individual, but non-natural factors have a secondary impact on the emotional and psychological state.
Reference
Knopik, V. S., Neiderhiser, J. M., DeFries, J. C., & Plomin, R. (2017). Behavioral genetics. Worth Publishers, Macmillan Learning.