Nature vs. Nurture

One very important concept from Psychology 1001 discussed in class and also found in the Lilienfeld text book is the nature versus nurture debate. The nature versus nurture debate questions whether our behaviors are determined by our genes (nature) or the way we were raised (nurture). The nature stand point looks at our genotype and the characteristics that we were born with in explaining our actions. The nurture side examines our environments and the experiences we have acquired throughout life that molds us as human beings and attributes to our behaviors. I believe that this debate is of importance because it allows us to examine human behaviors such as addiction and mental illness from different approaches.
I consistently apply the nature versus nurture debate to my life experiences because three years ago i was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder as well as panic disorder. I am constantly wondering whether my disorders are caused by my predisposed genes or whether my sheltered childhood triggered me to develop anxiety. It is difficult to quantify as to how much each role attributes to human illnesses and behavior but what is known is that both nature and nurture play vital roles.
Here is a link to a Youtube video that will provide you with more insight into the nature versus nurture debate. It will explain the history of the concept and describe that both nature and nurture work together in describing personality and behavior.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2uoIe7x7UE