The Nature Versus Nurture Aspect Of Mental Health
The nature versus nurture debate is not new in and of itself. However, studies are constantly being done in order to obtain more information regarding this important subject matter. By having a better understanding of what makes us who we are, we will have a better ability to become the best versions of ourselves. Before we go into more detail regarding the roles of nature and nurture within the world of therapy, let’s define these two categories on a basic level.
Nature is classified as genetic or hormone-based behaviors, traits, and dispositions. Examples include our personality, individual characteristics and physical appearance.
Nurture is used to reference the environmental components such as how we were raised, our early childhood experiences, our culture, and social relationships
Back in the 1960s, psychologists along with mainstream society, were highly focused on the concept of behaviorism. The idea here is that an individual’s personality is most significantly impacted by the things we experience and the way in which we are trained. However, the attention has recently shifted to the power held by nature within this ongoing debate. The idea that our DNA acts as a detailed blueprint for every physical trait and emotion that defines us as individuals.
We must be careful not to overlook one component over the other. Inevitably, nature and nurture maintain a synergistic relationship. It has been quite convincingly argued that nearly all human diseases and physiological traits involve genetic and environmental influences to some extent.
Nature And Nurture: Different Yet Equally Important
Nature has proven to help accurately determine whether or not an individual will develop some mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia, bipolar, and major depression. In the case of bipolar, a person is four to six times more likely to develop this condition when a family history of it exists. Research has also shown that in the case of addictions, such as alcoholism, there are genes which may influence the taste and effects of alcohol.
That being said, our futures are not always written in our genes. Although nature plays a significant role in our mental wellbeing, nurture has the ability to rewrite the plot. According to a twin study that appeared in Nature Genetics, it was determined that human traits, personality, and diseases are seen to be influenced by nature for 49 percent, while 51 percent result from individual upbringing. At the end of the day, we are neither doomed or destined to follow the path set out for us by our DNA. We have the ability to impact outcomes based on environmental, outside responses to what appears in those double helixes. Having that insight alone is powerful.
In the case where there is a known genetic predisposition for a mental illness or some form of addiction, a proactive and positive, nurturing approach can be used to encourage behaviors that prevent that condition from ever developing. Or in cases where it does develop, it can be less severe. Without a doubt, those who are blessed to grow up in a healthy, loving environment have a much stronger nurture foundation upon which to grow into a healthy, happy, and successful adult. For those who have the genetic odds stacked against them, the latter is all the more important.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool found that while a family history of mental health conditions was the second strongest predictor of mental illness, the strongest predictor was life events and experiences, such as childhood bullying, abuse, or other trauma. The belief that nurture can have a major impact on nature and the development of mental health issues proves to have a strong case.
The Nature, Nurture, And Therapy Trifecta
Every therapist comes with different backgrounds, experiences, and approaches. For that reason, it is extremely important for you to find the therapist that is right for you. In doing so, you’ll want to consider your needs and their treatment plans as there are some significant differences.
Nature-based approaches tend to seek answers that address mental health issues on a genetic or biological level. Medications meant to deal with chemical imbalances, such as anti-anxiety or antidepressants, fall under this category.
Nurture-based approaches will place more attention on a person’s beliefs, behaviors, and experiences. Talk therapy is one such technique that typically addresses a client’s emotions based upon their individual upbringing and circumstances.
In most instances, the ideal solution is a combination of nature and nurture-based approaches. It is the best of both worlds. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one such method that has seen significant, positive results.
It’s Natural To Nurture Your Well-Being
At Connections Counseling, we utilize CBT and other proven therapy tactics to embrace the nature and nurture sides of our patients. Our wide array of services are designed to result in change — the good kind. Contact us today to schedule your FREE consultation.
