Essays --

The biological approach is a method that looks at our genetics to figure out a reason as to why one behaves in a particular way and why individuals develop abnormal behaviors. The biological theorists who study behavioral genetics study in what manner genetic influences effect behavior. Biological factors such as chromosomes have a substantial effect on humans and their behaviors. Most of what psychologists know about biological influences on personality is derived from twin studies. Twin studies examine and compare monozygotic (identical) and dizygotic (fraternal) twins. This is done because identical twins share the same DNA and are therefore predicted to share the same levels of specific traits. They are studied in cases where the twins are both reared together and separately to understand individual differences and similarities in personalities in these twins; in most cases even when the identical twins are reared apart they often are similar in regards to their career choices an d personality characteristics. While fraternal twins share about fifty percent of the same DNA which is about the same amount as non-twin siblings. The outcome of fraternal twins is similar to the outcome of individuals not born as twins, meaning the pair of DZ twins will have different personality traits (Holzinger, 1929). This demonstrates that although MZ twins are reared apart they still share the same personality traits because they are heritable. The biological aspect of traits is explained through genetics. Biology is the influence for most of the complex and intricate phenomena that occur within a human being, the same can be applied to the personality of an individual. The Big Five is a list of the five core personality traits that all indivi... ...onality model (Costa and McCrae, 1988). Without an appropriate caregiver to provide nurture a person can be high on neuroticism, and low on extroversion, openness to experience, agreeableness, and conscientiousness; meaning the person will be immensely psychologically unstable. Without stability and emotional support as a child, as an adult, an individual do not learn how to cope with the pressures of life (Bleidorn et al., 2010). This is apparent when individuals are extremely anxious, and self-conscious, introverted and displaying negative emotions about everything, not open to new experiences or people, has issues trusting others, and has little to no self-discipline (Rothbart, Ahadi, and Evans, 2000). A child that has been nurtured has been brought up in a positive and loving environment will have great psychological health and will be a stable/functional adult.