Topic > Specific Psychological Disorders: Nature vs. Nurture

There is ongoing controversy as to whether specific psychological disorders are primarily biological in origin (nature) or arise primarily from learning and experience (nurture). Select any two disorders from this week's readings and prepare arguments on both the nature and nurture position for both disorders. Psychological disorders: “Mental processes and/or patterns of behavior that cause emotional distress and/or substantial impairment in functioning.” (Wood, Wood, & Boyd, 2014, p. 393) Nature versus Nurture“The Nature versus Nurture debate centers on the relative contributions of genetic inheritance and environmental factors to human development” (Cherry, 2018). Nature refers to biological factors that influence who we are such as appearance, personality, etc. While education focuses on environmental factors that impact who we are such as culture, relationships and childhood. Anxiety and major depressive disorder show examples of both opposing arguments. Anxiety demonstrates nature and nurture. A natural example is obsessive-compulsive disorder also known as (OCD). Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay OCD is a form of anxiety that has been shown to be genetically linked. Often those suffering from OCD feel that they have no control over what is happening. Sometimes these people feel the need to repeat behaviors. For example, turn the light on and off three times before leaving the room. There is no logical connection. However, by performing this behavior, they create an imaginative connection with the idea that they must complete this behavior three times to feel that everything will be okay. Therefore, showing a genetic component. However, PTSD demonstrates a much more environmental approach. PTSD shows a person who has experienced trauma or been left in a situation where they felt unsafe. When exposed to these circumstances a natural reaction occurs, resulting in symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. Therefore, we can see that anxiety is both nature and nurture. Major depressive disorder also arises between biological factors and life events. Some situations and circumstances can trigger a depressive episode. However, some people may experience a depressive episode without an external event. For example, some people are deficient in serotonin. Serotonin is a chemical found in our brain that is considered a natural mood stabilizer, along with its many other functions. These people are more likely to experience depression following a stressful event. Furthermore, we may have two people dealing with the same stressful event. However, only the person deficient in serotonin will actually cause depression. Therefore, we can see that environment or that environment which is the stressful event or the biological factors, the lack of serotonin as nature. Anxiety has been a major struggle in my family's history. I have been experiencing anxiety and have been struggling with it for years, to the point of seeking further help. Applying this method, I believe my fear comes from a more environmental approach. Over the years I have observed family members and their reactions to stressful events or circumstances. I believe I have adopted some of these patterns and trends throughout my life. Thus, leading to my development of anxiety. However, it is essential to know that anxiety can be controllable. Doing this assignment gave me a better understanding of the source of anxiety and gave me the opportunity to.