Nature versus nurture is a controversial and hotly debated topic. Are genetic or environmental factors more important? The field of human development is becoming increasingly aware of the unique personal and environmental circumstances that can have lasting but varying results on individuals and their life paths. Do children acquire language rapidly because they are genetically predisposed to do so or because parents have resources to teach them at a very early age? What are your thoughts? Your beliefs and values will influence your decision making and actions with future clients; therefore, it is important to identify where you stand on this issue.

Tasks:

This module taught you to conduct research to support your views on the nature versus nurture debate and to discuss how your beliefs may influence your work with clients.

Using your textbook, the Argosy University online library resources, and the Internet, conduct research to support your view on the nature versus nurture debate and respond to the following questions:

What are your views on how nature (genetic and hereditary influences) and nurture (environmental influences) shape human development across the lifespan? Support your views with examples.

Which area has more impact on human development, and why? Discuss in terms of global impact and specific issues such as personality development, intelligence, mental illness, substance abuse, and sexual identity.

How might your beliefs about nature versus nurture influence your future work as a mental health clinician?

Support your responses and analysis by using at least two resources from professional literature. Professional literature may include the Argosy University online library resources; relevant textbooks; peer-reviewed journal articles; and websites created by professional organizations, agencies, or institutions (websites ending in .edu or .gov).