My Take on Personality Development

Part of human personality is predisposed. Hereditary is an important component in personality development. This is especially true for children. Physiology structure and functioning are inherited from our parents. It plays a large role in response tendencies and dispositions. Some children are naturally shy, cautious, fearless, outgoing, musically inclined, intellectually predisposed, etc. It can then be said that there is a part of human personality that is predetermined. Yet,human nature cannot be solely held responsible for personality development. How we nurture our children and ourselves is just as significant in its contribution. Children as well as adults need human connection. We need to feel loved. We need human interaction. As such, personality development is dynamic. As we learn which behaviors are most effective in obtaining our needs, we unconsciously fine tune ourselves in order to control results. When we make cognitive connections between how people react to our words and actions biological changes occur in our brain and neural synapses. Like a rubber band that has the ability to expand and contract, everyday encounters facilitate or hinder biological change within us which directly affects personality and its development.

Since I believe that genetic make up sets up the stage for personality development, I cannot completely claim the blank slate concept. What I can say is that some individuals have a leg up on developing healthy psychological functioning more than others. Individuals who are not so genetically lucky need a more caring and facilitating environment to make up for their so called genetic deficiencies. However, I do think that the blank slate illustration is effective in portraying the role of the environment in the personality development process. If two children, one genetically disadvantaged and the other of better genetics, were placed into an equality nurturing environment one can almost conclude that the child with better genetics will come out with the healthiest psychological functioning. Yet, if the genetically advantaged child was placed in a nurture deficient environment and the other child who is genetically disadvantaged into a room full of caring and nurturing adults, ultimately it is the genetically disadvantaged child who will psychologically strive.

The role of hereditary make up is an important contributor to personality. It is the starting point of every individual. But, it is the environment that will ultimately determine how far or limited that personality can develop. An individual may initially be limited by heredity but if one exposed one's child or oneself to enriching human interactions and situations, then biological changes will occur. This will further enable more positive psychological functioning.

I do not believe that perfect healthy psychological functioning exists or can be attained. I believe that every individual experiences doubt and psychological disturbance frequently in their lifetime. Sometimes, this psychological disturbance is so severe or debilitating that it is necessary to reach out for help. This is where we, therapists, come into play. This belief ties in to my prior statement that points out the dynamic and ever changing nature of personality development. As such it goes through cycles of lows and highs. The question of how low or high is a matter of how well one has learned coping and adjusting mechanisms.

Humans are social animals. Learning how to maneuver oneself socially is the key to maximizing psychological health . Being confident in a variety of social interactions yields social approval. In a society were social approval is necessary for prosperity and maybe even survival, one feels most healthy when one is socially received and comfortable.

Human nature is a result of both physiological makeup and environmental factors. Although genetic predisposition can be considered the starting point in personality development, introduced environmental factors will further mold personality via the process of learning. Environment influence and physiological changes will consequently and continually occur and influence each other. Thus, human personality is dynamic and ever changing. It adjusts according to the events of one's life.

Maximum and minimum levels of psychological functioning is also dynamic. Thus, the lows and highs experienced are normal and to be expected. I believe the best indicator of psychological health is in how well a person is able to cope and adjust to life changes.

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