Throughout this course, I have learned about many psychological theories; however, one major concept that particularly stuck with me was the one concerning how personality develops. Is it nature? Is it nurture? Or is it both?
This topic has made such a great impact on me because I am an identical twin and I believe both environment AND genetics play a major role in personality. My twin and I have grown up in the same house and shared the same room for 18 years. We've always had the same interest in music, friends, humor, food and style and have always enjoyed the same activities. Last fall, however, we finally separated for the first time as we left for different colleges. She stayed in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and I decided to venture off to Minneapolis.
During spring break, we finally were able to reunite. Although we hadn't seen each other in six months, our interests were still relatively the same. We still found the same things funny, liked the same type of guys, and even had matching songs downloaded on to our IPods! However, our interests in social activities changed, majorly due to our different social environments and friends. While I began to prefer more low-key and close setting outings, she enjoyed more of the bigger scene. This change in social activity interests was due in large part to our new group of friends we hung around with in our new college settings. This further cemented my belief in the dual impact of the environment and genetics on personality.
Because this issue of nature vs. nurture can be applied to my own life, it made a great impact on me. I will always remember this debate and apply it to future personality situations I encounter as an identical twin later in my life.
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