Nature versus Nurture
Abstract
Various aspects play a part in the development of certain behaviors. In this case, both nature and nurture influence the development of behavior, especially in the event of aggressive behavior. However, nurture is more influential, as evident in research studies conducted on the same. An excellent example of nurture influence is through the learning that an individual goes through in their environment. Specifically, the viewing of violent media leads to the development of aggressive behavior. More so, since the current world is highly influenced by the media, especially what is displayed in the TV shows and the video games. Therefore, the available viewing media creates the environment from which an individual goes through, and as a result, develops behavior in line with their experiences.
Introduction
The debate on nature versus nurture has existed in psychology for a long time as scholars seek to establish a more influential aspect. Nature theory argues that genetic and biological factors play a role in behavioral changes. In contrast, the nurture theory argues that behavioral change is propelled by the environment and the experiences an individual goes through. More so, the application of the different influences is mainly used by scholars to understand various issues associated with the development and the behavior of human beings (Kamran, 2016). An excellent example of some of the concepts that scholars use the debate to understand is aggressive behavior. Numerous scholars argue that both the biological factors and the environmental factors contribute to the development of aggressive behavior in an individual. For instance, viewing violent media leads to the development of aggressive behavior (Kamran, 2016). Consequently, behavioral changes, especially the development of aggressive behavior, are actively related to the genetic structure of an individual irrespective of the environment they are exposed to. Therefore, I will attempt to validate this claim by compiling and summarizing related research studies, especially on issues related to violent tv shows and violent video games.
Literature Review
Influence of nurture on aggressive behavior
Technology advancement has resulted in the development of various influences in the environment we are living in. As a result, it influences nurturing. Additionally, technological progress has contributed to the dynamics in the environment through the introduction of media through which people are exposed to violent media, which results in aggressive behavior. Various research studies have been conducted to establish the influence of viewing violent media, which is incorporated in nurturing.
According to Velki and Jagodic (2017), the significant contribution to the development of aggressive behavior is watching violent media, especially in the youth. The authors establish that individuals develop behaviors that mimic what they observe and are taught in the long or short term. More so, since currently, various aspects contribute to the nurturing of an individual, including what they view from the media. Individuals go through experiences in their environment via entertaining media such as playing video games, one of the most significant entertainment sources for the youth. Scholars have argued that the environment that is usually created in the virtual video games such as graphics and the rules assigned for the player facilitates aggressive behaviors as individuals relate the video games scenes to real life (Velki & Jagodic, 2017).
According to Coyne (2016), a study conducted on the effect of viewing violent media confirmed that it is associated with the development of aggressive behavior in the future. The author further explains that various factors revolve around the influence of viewing these violent media. For instance, based on research, the development stage of the individual and the nature of content observed determine the outcome. In this case, individuals within the behavioral development stages, that is from infancy to adolescence are more prone to embracing the learned behavior from the environment. An excellent example is when a child is exposed to viewing violent army shows where there is the use of guns, firearms, and boxing; they end up developing aggressive behavior associated with boxing and kicking.
Lastly, according to Chauke and Malatji (2018), children are not born with the full knowledge and understanding of how to conduct activities; instead, they learn as they grow up. Therefore, through nurturing, they acquire the behavior taught to them (Chauke & Malatji, 2018). Consequently, in the 21st century, most people are interested in portraying actions viewed in the media inclusive of violent media. The authors explain that teenagers end up developing violent and aggressive behaviors due to the urge to adopt the observed behavior. For instance, some of the viewed celebrities play the part of portraying various characters in their roles in different shows, therefore in the process of representing what is seen in the media, individuals may embrace the abuse of substances.
Influence of nature on aggressive behavior
The genetic makeup of living things contributes to the inheritance of some characteristics from the parent to the offspring. Primarily due to the advancement in technology, now genetic makeups are studied and analyzed to eliminate harmful traits. Similarly, the nature theory argues that the development of behavior is a result of an individual’s biological makeup. Various studies have been conducted to establish the relationship between nature and aggressive behavior. An excellent example in which nature influences aggressive behavior is through the inheritance of behavioral traits from the parents of an individual.
According to Zimmermann and Spangler (2016), different individuals display different behavioral traits irrespective of their upbringing. Usually, the difference is traced back to the differences in their biological aspect. Therefore, the genetic element plays a significant role in the change of behavior more so in scenarios where there is either good or aggressive behavior. For instance, children adopted by foster parents while young, some grow up and end up embracing characteristics from their parents with whom they barely relate to (Zimmermann & Spangler, 2016). Some may end up displaying aggressive behaviors and engaging in alcohol and substance abuse, even though the environment they are brought up in is different. As a result, the individual may have inherited aggressive behavioral traits from their birth parents. However, the outcome of similar studies is usually based on whether the individual inherits the parent’s genetic structure.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both nature and nurture influence the development of aggressive behavior. More so since various studies have been analyzed to validate the concept. Consequently, the information indicates the significance of nurture when an individual is exposed to violent media and later develops aggressive behavior in line with their environment. Additionally, since the behavioral changes are experienced on specific development stages, it is evident that during the adolescent development stage, an individual is more exposed to developing aggressive behavior in line with their experiences. Similarly, nature also plays a role in aggressive behavior since offspring tend to inherit genes from the parents. Therefore, they may inherit harmful behavioral traits such as aggressive behavior; however, this is all based on various possibilities. Based on the analyzed information, nurture is more influential on the development of aggressive behavior than nature.
References
Abdullah, M. (2017). Effects of TV Crime Shows on Behavioural Development of Children. SHS Web of Conferences, 33. https://doi.org/10.1051/shsconf/20173300077
Chauke, T., & Malatji, K. (2018). YOUTH EXPERIENCES OF DEVIANT BEHAVIOUR AS PORTRAYED IN SOME TELEVISION PROGRAMMES: A CASE OF THE YOUTH OF 21ST CENTURY. Gender & Behaviour, 16(3), 12178–12189. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/2167240770/
Coyne, S. M. (2016). Effects of viewing relational aggression on television on aggressive behavior in adolescents: A three-year longitudinal study. Developmental psychology, 52(2), 284. Retrieved from https://psycnet.apa.org/buy/2015-53031-001
Kamran, F. (2016). Are Siblings Different as “Day and Night”? Parents’ Perceptions of Nature vs. Nurture. Journal of Behavioural Sciences, 26(2), 95–115. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1864042019
Velki, T., & Jagodic, G. (2017). Testing the moderating role of social context on media violence effect in the case of peer aggression among adolescents. (Report). Studia Psychologica: Journal for Basic Research in Psychological Sciences, 59(1). https://doi.org/10.21909/sp.2017.01.729
Zimmermann, P., & Spangler, G. (2016). Effects of Gene × Attachment Interaction on Adolescents’ Emotion Regulation and Aggressive Hostile Behavior Towards their Mothers during a Computer Game. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 10, 254. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2016.00254