Influence of Nature/Nurture to Twin Studies

Siblings and Twins

Siblings have the same genes, which is also responsible for physical and other similarities, albeit the fact that the physical is the most obvious. In fact, these physical similarities is responsible for identifying two individuals as siblings judging on their looks and appearance. Brothers and sisters will therefore share a lot of similarities that link them to each other.

In an effort to better explain the difference or similarities between siblings and twins would be to consider it next to the existing nature/nurture debate. The closest example of this debate would be to determine the impact of heredity against surroundings. You can find out more about how the points raised in the nature/nurture debate will impact one's understanding of twin development and interactions.

Introduction to Nature/Nurture Debate

A lot of researchers and scientists have done extensive research on the concept of nature/nurture. In fact, lots of researchers have attempted to showcase that nature or heredity has a bigger impact on shaping one's humanity.

The twins are perfect example used for studying the impact of surroundings despite the physical replicas for two people (twins). However, studies are ongoing to determine what percentage of the genetic makeup contributes to one's personality trait and intelligence.

How does Nature/Nurture Apply to Twins?

The number of studies indicating that the environment has the biggest impact in determining one's individuality is overwhelming indeed. However, each twin are exposed to various environments and different circumstances that result to differences in personality as each twin grows up. This explains why despite the similarities in genetic makeup, each twin are distinguishable from one another although these differences are not evident until they grow up and become exposed to different circumstances.

Behavioral Variability in Twins

To better understand behavioral variability in twins, it is important to consider the “Five Factor Model of Personality” of psychology and is considered as the most universal method of understanding similarities and differences in personality. These five traits in question include extroversion, neuroticism, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness to experience.

According to experts, two of these traits are commonly influenced by genetics – neuroticism and extroversion (nature). Meanwhile, agreeableness is a trait influenced by the environment (nurture). However, behavioral variability is both influenced by heredity and environment.

What Makes Twins Unique?

To conclude, both nature and nurture has its own equal measure when it comes to establishing identity for twins to make them unique from each other. From the time twins are conceived, they are granted the opportunity to grow up in certain ways that they desire for themselves. In the years that follow, only a twin has the ability to shape their own lives according to how they like it. The environment in which twins live in has an undeniable amount of power to help shape the way twins think or perceive themselves.

However, your genetics will also predetermine that during birth. That genetic blueprint is what ties you with your twin brother or sister, and your family. This is indeed a comforting idea for twins to know that although they are built within the same genes, they have a unique pattern to them that enables twins to establish their individuality.