6 Unit 1 Your Development and Relationships
You are born with certain
personality traits. Other traits
develop as you grow. Two main
factors shape your personality:
heredity and environment.
Heredity
Heredity refers to the passing
of traits from one generation of
family to the next. Parents pass
these traits to their children
through genes. Genes determine the
characteristics that will appear as
you grow and develop. The traits
you receive from your parents
and ancestors are inherited traits.
The color of your eyes, hair, and
skin are inherited traits. Your
height, body build, and facial features are also inherited. Physical and mental
capabilities are inherited traits, too.
From the moment babies are born, they begin to show inherited personality
traits. For instance, some babies may only be content to fall asleep when their
parents are holding them. They begin crying as soon as they are in their cribs.
Some people may describe these babies as having fussy personalities. Other
babies are more adaptable and may be able to fall asleep easily in unfamiliar
settings. People may describe these babies as having easygoing personalities.
Environment
Your environment includes
everything and everyone around
you. Your family, home, friends,
school, classmates, teachers,
coaches, and community are all
part of your environment.
Traits that develop as a result of
your environment are acquired traits.
Your acquired traits are not inherited
qualities. These traits may include
your likes and dislikes, goals, and
interests. Your attitudes and abilities
are also acquired traits. Your speech
and mannerisms are other examples.
Like inherited traits, acquired
traits can be seen from a very early
age. As babies interact with family
members, their acquired traits begin
to develop, 1-2. Later, they will
1-2 These sisters may share similar experiences, yet
each has a unique personality.
© Gayvoronskaya_yana/Shutterstock
Social Studies Connections
Personality Differences Among Siblings
Brothers and sisters in the same family often
have completely different personalities. One sibling
(brother or sister) may be easygoing and joyful.
Another might be quite serious and shy around other
people. How can two siblings be so different?
Remember that everyone begins life with a
specifi c set of inherited traits. No other person, not
even a sibling, has the exact same set. These traits
can infl uence behavior. Individuals react differently to
similar experiences, and personalities develop from
all of a person’s experiences. The result can be very
distinct personalities among family members.
Vocabulary