The environment has a huge impact on personality, but it is not the only factor.

Personality is the combination of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that make each individual unique (Maltby, Macaskill, and Day 2018). The study of personality development has been a long-lasting debates between whether it is primarily genetic or environmental influence that determines an individual’s characteristics. Thus far, research indicates that while a combination of both is at play, genetics have a greater influence on the development of an individual’s personality. Genetic influences on personality can be attributed to the concept of heritability. Heritability is the tendency for individuals to inherit traits from their parents and ancestors (Plomin et al. 2019). This can be seen in research conducted by Loehlin et al. (1998), which found that 50% of the variation in personality traits found in individuals was due to genetic influences. Other research has corroborated these findings by showing that the presence of certain genes, such as the serotonin transporter gene or the MAOA gene, paired with environmental influences, can lead to specific personality traits (Karg et al 2016). Environmental influences on personality also play a role in determining an individual’s characteristics. Environmental influences refer to how an individual has been raised and the external factors affecting them, such as social situations and relationships, family dynamics, and culture (Kraig and McAdams 2016). Environmental influences on personality focus on how experiences shape an individual’s development. Through interaction with family members, peers, and different lifestyles, individuals are shaped by their environment and form the beliefs that later shape their personalities (Plomin et al. 2019). Research conducted by Clark and Watson (1988) showed that environmental factors, such as parenting styles, had a significant effect on the development of personality traits in individuals studied. Despite the evidence showing both genetic and environmental influences on personality, there is a stronger emphasis on genetics. This is because much of the research conducted on the subject suggests that genetics are the major determinants of personality, while environmental influences are secondary. This is displayed in studies conducted by Karg et al. (2016), which found that genetic factors accounted for up to 50% of the variance in personality traits, while environmental influences accounted for only around 10%. In conclusion, research indicates that while a combination of both genetics and environmental influences play a role in determining an individual’s personality, genetics have a larger influence. Heritability puts into focus that certain traits, such as serotonergic