Who are you really? This may seem to be a strange question, but do you really know who you are?
Much of our identities are not what we think are our identities really are. Our identities are mixed up with what other people want us to be. This is an area of psychology, which has been extensively studied and can lead to both good and bad results, depending upon the situation.
Theories of personality
The biology theory
There are several theories of personality. Some are based on biology stating that our genes form personality. We are good people, bad people, happy people, sad people and so on, based on the composition of our genes.
For the most part, as a counselor this mental health examiner has to agree that much of what we are in terms of personality has been passed down through our genes, but that is only half the story. The other half of the story is that we are also a product of our environment.
Product of our environment
The term product of our environment has been tossed around quite a bit and has become a buzz phrase that has been used to explain away responsibility in many situations, but nevertheless there is a lot of truth to this statement and this is the core theme of this article.
Being a product of our environment does not mean people are not accountable for their actions.
First let's dispel the myths that people should not be accountable for their actions. People are accountable for their actions and that is why we have a legal system to make sure that people follow the rules of society and do the things they have to do to be good citizens and good people in general.
Rules
Rules are applied everywhere in a society from rules pertaining to legal matters, rules that apply to school, work, family, and societal norms. Rules are incorporated to make a society run smoothly. Of course we know that is not always true, but that is the idea behind having rules. Most people follow these rules, and sometimes we bend them. We can also say that is conforming to rule, bending them or breaking them are a part of human nature and the human personality.
To be continued
Montreal psychologist
Lisa Santa-Maria Barbagallo
Tel: 514.965.5472
Email: lisa@lisasmb.com
Sources:
http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O88-LockeJohn.html
http://psychology.about.com/od/theoriesofpersonality/ss/psychosexualdev.htm
Comments
Most of us may not understand the difference between human nature and personality. However, I am sure after reading your series, it will be clear to us, the readers. We usually notice that human nature is highly manipulated in the name of personality as you say about social environment, is not it. Your work as a counselor helped many people, and I am one of them. Thanks!
I recall a Broadway stage play, later adapted to film, titled "The Bad Seed." In it, a cherubic little girl turns out to be completely antisocial--or rather, to have "conduct disorder, undersocialized, aggressive" because one does not diagnose "antisocial personality disorder" in a child. The child's mother gets a notion into her head that her daughter inherited a tendency to criminality--including murder--from herself, who had been the daughter of a madwoman who had tried to kill her. The other characters are little better--trying to be amateur psychiatrists--and even the professional psychiatrist doesn't recognize a clearly dangerous case right under his nose.
I look at human behavior from more of a spiritual viewpoint. However, there is no denying that part of who we are is formed by our environment and experiences in life.
Hi Carol, I'm back from vacation and this is a great series to come back to! Interesting so far...thanks!
Interesting, this just fascinates me... :o)
Personally, I think being a product of environment is an explanation of behaviour, not a justification.
Accountability isn't necessarily the best concept for how you treat an individual in a civil society. Accountability implies a need for punishment whereas the goal of such a society is allowing individuals maximum freedom without them infringing on the same rights in others. Punishment is one tool of many to use towards achieving that goal; not, as accountability imples, a requisite for bad behavior.
There are many books out there that explain a lot about personality and behavior. And bad behavior is never justified.
Thanks for your work! Looking forward to reading more..
Hugh, accountability is means not dismissing a persons legal or moral obligation, in just society's the law balances the accountability with the circumstances of each case. If there are mitigating factors such as insanity, or poor upbringing, poverty so on and so forth
Yes Terry I remember that movie it was with Ray Milan if I remember correctly. The Bad Seed did push the biological factor related to personality, though it left the impression that we are doomed by our DNA composition, and I do not as a therapist agree with that. The proper environment often shapes the personality, for the better and overrides the genetic components,
but all and all I adhere that both factor, come into play especially when we are talking about legal and mental health issues.
Thanks, Carol!
:)
Third culture kids examiner
Seattle stay-at-home moms examiner
Interesting stuff Carol. I'm always learning new things.
This is going to be another great series Carol!
This is going to be good!
I've heard many times that we are a product of our environment and it's true that we do "reap what we sow". People are to be held accountable for their actions. People can make changes despite their environment, but they have to want to change. Thanks Carol.
www.examiner.com/x-25082-Jacksonville-Christian-Living-Examiner
:)
On the way to learning something new again...this is going to be another wonderful series.
Interesting how members of the same family/genetics/environment can grow up to be totally different...even twins.
Great Carol! I enjoy these so much
It is so important for parents an teachers to recognize the innate personality and characteristics kids have and work with them rather than against them.
Fascinating. I've always wondered what made up our personalities.
Genes and environment. That about covers the waterfront! Interesting stuff!
Great series, Carol, and well timed for the time, I'd say!
Environment and genetics are hugely important, but each of us also has a unique spirit, and that spirit is strong. Also important is where a human being is working, spiritually that is. Does he want to fit in and be accepted, does she want to have a different life than those around her? There isn't any one right or wrong way to do things. It's all choice, even if that choice is unconsciousness or not choosing.
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