The way we behave is determined by a number of factors

1. Introduction

The way we behave is determined by a number of factors, some of which we are not even aware of. In this essay, we will focus on two major factors that influence human behavior: heredity and hormones. We will try to find out how they affect the way we think and act.

2. Theories of behavior development

2.1 Nature vs. Nurture

The nature vs. nurture debate is one of the oldest debates in psychology. The basic question is: are our behavior and personality determined by our genes (nature) or by our environment (nurture)?

There are a number of arguments for both sides of the debate. The nature side argues that our behavior is determined by our genes and that we are born with a certain personality that cannot be changed. The nurture side argues that our environment plays a crucial role in shaping our behavior and that we are not just products of our genes.

Personally, I believe that both nature and nurture play a role in determining our behavior. Our genes may make us more predisposed to certain behaviors, but it is ultimately our environment that will trigger these behaviors. For example, someone may be born with a genetic predisposition for depression, but it is only when they experience stressful life events (such as the death of a loved one) that they will actually develop depression.

2. 2 Heredity vs. Environment

The heredity vs. environment debate is similar to the nature vs. nurture debate, but it focuses specifically on the role of genetics in determining our behavior. The heredity side argues that our genes play a major role in determining our behavior, while the environment side argues that genetics are only one of many factors that influence our behavior.

Personally, I believe that both heredity and environment play a role in determining our behavior. Our genes may make us more predisposed to certain behaviors, but it is ultimately our environment that will trigger these behaviors. For example, someone may be born with a genetic predisposition for depression, but it is only when they experience stressful life events (such as the death of a loved one) that they will actually develop depression.

3. How hormones affect human behavior

Hormones are chemical substances produced by the body that have an important effect on the way we think and behave. There are a number of different hormones that can influence human behavior, but the most important ones are testosterone, estrogen, and cortisol.

Testosterone is a hormone that is produced by both men and women, but it is found in higher levels in men than in women. Testosterone has been found to be associated with aggressive and risk-taking behaviors in both men and women (Dabbs & Dabbs, 2000).

Estrogen is a hormone that is produced by both men and women, but it is found in higher levels in women than in men. Estrogen has been found to be associated with cooperative and nurturing behaviors in both men and women (Buckley et al., 1999).

Cortisol is a hormone that is produced by both men and women in response to stress. Cortisol has been found to be associated with anxiety and depression in both men and women (Buchanan & Lovallo, 2001).

4. Conclusions

In conclusion, there are a number of factors that influence the way human behavior develops. Some of these factors include hormones and heredity. Hormones can affect the way we think and behave, and our genes can make us more predisposed to certain behaviors. However, it is ultimately our environment that will trigger these behaviors.

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