Human behavior is complex, being influenced by the fact that we are flesh and blood (biological influences) and our social relationships with other people.
Biological influences include those arising from genetic makeup as well as those arising from the physical environment. The extra chromosome that creates Down Syndrome influences the behavior of people who have Down Syndrome. Buckley, Bird, and Sacks (2002, see reference below) note that those with Down Syndrome tend to be highly...
Human behavior is complex, being influenced by the fact that we are flesh and blood (biological influences) and our social relationships with other people.
Biological influences include those arising from genetic makeup as well as those arising from the physical environment. The extra chromosome that creates Down Syndrome influences the behavior of people who have Down Syndrome. Buckley, Bird, and Sacks (2002, see reference below) note that those with Down Syndrome tend to be highly social and have skills in "reading" other people's emotions. Environmental influences that affect biology include exposure to certain chemicals. For example, a person taking an anti-depressant may become more active in everyday life due to the increase in mood level as a result of taking the drug.
Social influences on behavior include those that took place historically in our lives, as well as those based on current relationships. People who suffered abuse as children may behave in a way that indicates fear and mistrust. People who currently have a loving relationship may act with a certain level of confidence.
There is probably a continuum between biological and social factors. For example, certain mood disorders may have genetic influences but are exacerbated by living with a parent who has that disorder.
Psychology has always grappled with the nature/nurture dichotomy. All behavior is influenced by both, although the degree of each factor likely varies across a person's full life scope.
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