Reference no: EM133611923
April and Judi are identical twins who were put up for adoption at birth and raised in separate households. After an ironic series of events that led to their reunion later in life, the twins' story raises questions about the power of nature and nurture on human development.
April was raised in a warm, loving environment where her identity was allowed to flourish in authentic ways. April describes her parents as very emotionally supportive, constantly providing her with positive reinforcement, which she believes has significantly contributed to her high level of self-confidence. After three years as the president of the debate team and after graduating from high school with high honors, April eventually went on to a successful law career. April has always maintained productive, healthy relationships with those in her personal and professional circles-social bonds that she has cultivated over the course of many decades. She enjoys playing volleyball and listening to classical music. As a pillar of her community, April strives to help others in need through volunteering and advocacy. April married her childhood sweetheart and raised two very successful children (both lawyers). Now in her early 50s, April feels blessed for her good fortune in life.
Sadly, Judi has not been as fortunate as her twin sister. She was raised in an emotionally chaotic environment; her father was an angry, abusive alcoholic, while her mother was anxious, depressed, and emotionally codependent. Since narrowly meeting the requirements to graduate from high school, Judi has been unsuccessful in her efforts to obtain and sustain gainful employment. Beginning in her teens, Judi found herself in psychologically abusive situations with significant others that resulted in severe emotional distress. Despite having the same interests in classical music and volleyball as her twin sister, Judi states that she has very few friends. Throughout her life, Judi claims to have experienced paranoia, hallucinations, and severe depression and anxiety that have led her to abuse alcohol and drugs. Like her sister, Judi had two children with past partners; tragically, one teenage child died from addiction, while the other, nine-year old Kelly, is prone to angry outbursts and struggles with severe ADHD, anxiety, and depression. Now in her early 50s, Judi feels hopeless, helpless, and full of despair.
1. Compare the psychological factors that have influenced both April's and Judi's development.
Consider their cognitive and affective factors in your response.
2. Compare the social factors that have influenced both April's and Judi's development.
Consider their relational and environmental factors in your response.
3. Explain whether nature or nurture had a more significant role in April's and Judi's development. Support your answers with examples from the scenario.
Consider using biological, psychological, and social factors in your response.
4. Explain why it is important to consider nature and nurture in combination throughout the life span when evaluating an individual's well-being.