Trait Theory of Personality

Solution Preview

(1) How does the gene-environment interaction influence personality?Is culture a factor in personality expression?

Researchers have confirmed that hereditary and environment are intertwined to the point that it is impossible to disengage them completely when noting the significance to personality development (Olson, Vernon, & Jang, 2001). For instance, according to Olson et al., genetic factors exert the influence on an organism that is in a particular situation (environment), so that the final product inextricably a combination of biological and experiential factors". Culture is a factor because one's worldview helps to shape personality as it is parTraitt of the person's environment

(2) What do twin studies show us about the inheritability of personality?

Twin studies help to explain the concept of nature vs. nature controversy The nature vs. nurture debate was based upon opposing views as to which contributed most to the shaping of the personality—environmental influences (e.g., home, work, school, etc.); or genetic influences (biological factors that were inherited from parents). Genetic influences imply that since the factors are inherited; they cannot be changed. Gang (2005) suggests the following counter argument. He asserts that a born may be genetically determined as a redhead. However, that redhead can be change if the person so desires. On the other hand, if a member of a sample had exposure to different environment, he or she may have a variation in phenotypes (e.g., features), while a person born in an identical environment will have a similar phenotype.Therefore, Gang(2005) suggests that heredity coefficients depend on the variability of environmental influences and genetic influences within the sample.

(3) What characteristics of temperament are stable over time and contribute to our adult personality?

Temperament affect the traits or descriptors in describing individual differences. The concept of temperament is viewed as deriving from biological and emotional processes, a view consistent with current conceptualizations of temperament (Friedman & Schuster, 2006). According to this contemporary view, temperamental traits emerge during childhood, and are closely linked with biological processes. In addition, temperament is shaped by genetic influences and the environment. Research reveals a core set of traits that remain stable over time including: (a) a person's anxiety, (b) new experiences, and (c) friendliness. Traits such as alienation, morale and feelings of satisfaction vary greatly through the life span. The changes reflect how a person perceives him or ...