Personality: Biological Roots and Adaptive Dimensions

Interplay of Biology and Experience: The Evolution of Personal Identity 

Personality is what separates us from one another and makes us distinct and unique. It makes us who we are. Personality can be changed, developed, and nurtured. Personality originates from both nature and nurture. Within this essay, we will delve into the biological influences on personality. Two biological systems impact human personality. Personality development is influenced by biological factors. Biological trends reveal differences between introverts and extroverts. Research indicates that introverts and extroverts require varying levels of stimulation and arousal.

Biologically, we are predisposed to be either introverted or extroverted. Analyzing the biological aspect of personality is beneficial for understanding how biology influences our reactions to others and the environments we choose.

Since the start of the semester, my definition of personality has remained consistent. Each week, new theories and approaches provide fresh insights that enable me to refine my definition. Personality is what defines us as individuals. It is a blend of nature and nurture. Our personalities are shaped by our biology, genes, and predispositions, but also by experiences and conditions that mold us in distinctive ways. I believe personalities are both learned through experience and genetically programmed, with evidence visible even in early childhood development.

Exploring the Layers of Personality: From Genetic Roots to Unique Experiences

“People express their personality in different ways in different situations” (Friedman & Schustack, 2016). Personality is not fixed; it is extremely complex. I believe personality is a culmination of traits that distinguish one person from another. Different personality traits include extroversion, agreeableness, openness, neuroticism, introversion, sociability, and irritability. My personality, which differentiates me from others, is what makes me unique.

According to the 16 Personalities Assessment Report, I am an ISFJ and a “Defender.” As an ISFJ, I am 71% introverted, 72% observant, 82% feeling, 71% judging, and 86% turbulent. I believe personalities are shaped through experiences, but they also have a genetic component and can be observed even from early childhood. As a middle child and the oldest daughter in my family, I was raised and homeschooled at home for most of my education. I believe these unique childhood experiences have shaped my personality, making me more caring, introverted, and emotionally available to others.

Eysenck’s Model: The Biological Underpinnings of Introversion and Extroversion

Biological traditions play a major role in defining personality. Within the biological influences of personality, behavioral genomics studies the impact and influences that genes have on personality; it is an investigation of the origins of personality. Within biological traditions, Eysenck’s Model is of significance. Eysenck’s Model establishes a connection between introversion and extroversion and the nervous system of an individual. It aims to show a crossover between introversion, extroversion, and biology. The model posits that extroverts have lower levels of brain arousal and thus require more stimulation. Similarly, it indicates that introverts have high levels of arousal in the brain and thus need less stimulation. This information helps explain why introverts and extroverts require varying levels of stimulation and social interaction.

Oftentimes, when discussing introverts and extroverts, the question of energy sources surfaces: “Where do you get your energy?” Usually, extroverts draw their energy from being in social situations and interacting with people, while introverts derive their energy from solitude. More importantly, introversion and extroversion are biological phenomena. For the extrovert, there is a need for a high level of brain stimulation. Conversely, for the introvert, there is a need for low-level brain stimulation. Eysenck’s Model illustrates that the distinction between introversion and extroversion is biologically based and backed by supportive research.

Biological Foundations of Introversion: Insights from Eysenck’s Model and Behavioral Systems

In response to these theories, I believe I was biologically made to have a low tolerance for stimulation and arousal. Analyzing these biological theories, my personality was formed with a predisposition to introversion. Personally, I shy away from overstimulating and arousing situations and environments. As an introvert, I appreciate quiet, peaceful environments. Subsequently, I prefer time alone over social environments. The argument of introversion and extroversion is much more than “where do you get your energy?” and being a “people person” has biological backing. It is fascinating to learn that extroversion and introversion are supported by biological research and analysis through Eysenck’s Model.

Studying personality from a biological stance, it is important to look at the Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS) and the Behavioral Activation System (BAS). The Behavioral Inhibition System helps an individual move away from something unpleasant or a punishment. This system is our response to negative stimuli and environments. The Behavioral Activation System helps an individual move toward a desired item or reward. This system supports positive stimuli and pleasant environments. These two systems regulate our responses to punishments and rewards. Therefore, an overactive system can lead to impulsivity as a personality trait.

Beyond Choice: The Biological Blueprint of Personality and its Implications in Counseling

Another biological aspect of personality encompasses traits that lean towards obsessive, addictive, and attention-seeking personalities. Within Zuckerman’s theory, individuals high in “sensation seeking” have a low level of internal arousal. These individuals are typically drawn to new and exciting experiences. It is worth noting that some people have natural defects or disease-caused weaknesses in their dopamine systems, making them susceptible to addiction. Addictive personalities are therefore more than just an individual’s choice; they are a biological predisposition. Personally, I have a low level of “sensation seeking”. As an introvert, I do not seek out sensations or exciting experiences but thrive best in low-intensity situations.

Analyzing the biological aspect of personality is tremendously important. As discussed in previous weeks, I believe certain personality traits can adapt, change, and even be gained or lost through life experiences. Personality is a combination of nature and nurture. Our personalities develop through biology, genes, and predispositions as well as through experiences and circumstances that shape us. Recognizing the biological influences on personality helps us understand how biology affects our responses to others and the environments we select. Understanding biology improves our understanding of the people we interact with.

As a counselor, it is crucial to take the biological predispositions and influences of an individual into account. We need to deeply understand our clients, even at a biological level. As explained before, even addictions can have a biological basis. Our brains could be wired to crave sensation and arousal. Moreover, even aspects like being an introvert or extrovert are biological. We must look at the whole picture when serving and helping people.

References

1. Friedman, H. S., & Schustack, M. W. (2016). Personality: Classic theories and modern research. (6th ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon. [ISBN13: 9780205997930]
2. ISFJ Personality (‘The Defender’). (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.16personalities.com/isfj- personality

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