How does genetics influence human Behaviour? Genes do not specify behavior directly, but rather encode molecular products that build and govern the functioning of the brain through which behavior is expressed.

1. AHEVRO
BI
ANSWER: BEHAVIOR

2. SENGTC
EI
ANSWER: GENETICS

3. LASETCI
O
ANSWER: SOCIETAL

4. OCUROLENIL
AG
ANSWER: NEUROLOGICAL

5. GENETIC, NEUROLOGICAL,
ENVIRONMENTAL AND
SOCIETAL FACTORS
AFFECTING BEHAVIOR.
BY: JEFFREY R. LABATETE

6. • OBJECTIVES
• To analyze and identify the genetic, neurological,
environmental, and societal factors that contribute to
certain behaviors, such as aggression or addiction, in
order to better understand and address these
behaviors.
•
• To explore the complex interactions between genetic,
neurological, environmental, and societal factors in
shaping behavior, and to examine the implications of
these factors for mental health treatment and
intervention strategies.

7. Genetics, neurological, environmental, and
societal factors play a significant role in shaping
human behavior. Studying the intricate interplay
between these factors helps us understand why
individuals differ in their characteristics,
preferences, and actions. In this discussion, we
will explore the fascinating field of genetics, the
influence of the nervous system, the impact of
the environment, and the role society plays in
shaping behavior.

8. WHAT IS GENETICS?

9. • Genetics is the field of biology that studies genes,
heredity, and the variation of organisms.
• "Genetics is the study of heredity, the process in which
traits are passed from parents to offspring." - Gregor
Mendel, an Austrian monk and botanist known as the
father of genetics.
•
• "Genetics is the science of genes, heredity, and the
variation of living organisms." - James D. Watson, an
American molecular biologist and co-discoverer of the
structure of DNA.

10. • 3. "Genetics is the study of genes and the way they are
inherited and expressed in organisms." - Francis Collins, an
American physician-geneticist and director of the National
Institutes of Health (NIH).
•
• 4. "Genetics is the study of the principles of heredity and the
variations that arise in organisms due to the transmission of
genes from generation to generation." - Barbara McClintock, an
American geneticist and Nobel laureate for her discovery of
genetic transposition.
•
• 5. "Genetics is the science that explores the inheritance of traits
and the molecular mechanisms that determine an organism's
characteristics." - Eric Lander, an American mathematician and

11. WHAT IS
NEUROLOGY?
WHAT IS THE
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN
NEUROLOGY AND
PSYCHOLOGY?

12. NEUROLOGY IS A BRANCH OF MEDICINE
THAT FOCUSES ON THE DIAGNOSIS AND
TREATMENT OF DISORDERS RELATED TO
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. IT INVOLVES THE
STUDY OF THE BRAIN, SPINAL CORD,
NERVES, AND MUSCLES, AND DEALS WITH
CONDITIONS SUCH AS STROKE, EPILEPSY,
PARKINSON'S DISEASE, AND MULTIPLE
SCLEROSIS.

13. NEUROLOGY IS A BRANCH OF MEDICINE
THAT FOCUSES ON THE DIAGNOSIS AND
TREATMENT OF DISORDERS RELATED TO
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. IT INVOLVES THE
STUDY OF THE BRAIN, SPINAL CORD,
NERVES, AND MUSCLES, AND DEALS WITH
CONDITIONS SUCH AS STROKE, EPILEPSY,
PARKINSON'S DISEASE, AND MULTIPLE
SCLEROSIS.

14. PSYCHOLOGY, ON THE OTHER HAND, IS A FIELD
THAT FOCUSES ON STUDYING HUMAN BEHAVIOR
AND THE MIND. IT INVOLVES THE ANALYSIS OF
THOUGHTS, EMOTIONS, AND BEHAVIORS, AND
SEEKS TO UNDERSTAND VARIOUS MENTAL
PROCESSES. WHILE NEUROLOGY FOCUSES ON
THE PHYSIOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF THE NERVOUS
SYSTEM AND ASSOCIATED DISORDERS,
PSYCHOLOGY FOCUSES ON THE COGNITIVE,
EMOTIONAL, AND BEHAVIORAL ASPECTS OF
INDIVIDUALS.

15. IN SUMMARY, NEUROLOGY IS A
MEDICAL SPECIALTY THAT DEALS
WITH DIAGNOSING AND TREATING
NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS, WHILE
PSYCHOLOGY IS A SOCIAL SCIENCE
THAT ANALYZES HUMAN BEHAVIOR
AND MENTAL PROCESSES.

16. ENVIRONMENTAL REFERS TO THE SURROUNDING
OR EXTERNAL FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE AND
AFFECT LIVING ORGANISMS. IT INCLUDES THE
PHYSICAL, CHEMICAL, AND BIOLOGICAL
CONDITIONS AND RESOURCES PRESENT IN AN
ORGANISM'S HABITAT, AS WELL AS THE
INTERACTIONS WITH OTHER ORGANISMS AND
THE NON-LIVING COMPONENTS OF THE
ENVIRONMENT. THESE FACTORS CAN PLAY A
SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN SHAPING AN ORGANISM'S
BEHAVIOR, DEVELOPMENT, AND OVERALL WELL-
BEING.

17. SOCIETAL REFERS TO ANYTHING RELATED
TO SOCIETY OR SOCIAL INTERACTIONS
AMONG INDIVIDUALS OR GROUPS WITHIN A
COMMUNITY. IT ENCOMPASSES VARIOUS
ASPECTS SUCH AS CULTURE, CUSTOMS,
BELIEFS, VALUES, NORMS, INSTITUTIONS,
AND SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS.

18. THE MAIN DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SOCIETAL AND
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS IS THAT SOCIETAL
FACTORS FOCUS MORE ON THE HUMAN ASPECTS
OF SOCIETY, SUCH AS SOCIAL NORMS,
CUSTOMS, AND INSTITUTIONS, THAT SHAPE
BEHAVIOR AND INTERACTIONS. ON THE OTHER
HAND, ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS ARE BROADER
AND ENCOMPASS ALL THE PHYSICAL,
BIOLOGICAL, AND SOCIAL CONDITIONS THAT
INFLUENCE AN INDIVIDUAL OR ORGANISM.

19. GENETIC AND NEUROLOGICAL
FACTORS
•Genetics and neurological factors play
significant roles in shaping behavior. Numerous
researchers and experts have provided
evidence supporting the influence of genetics
and neurological factors on behavior.

20. PLOMIN ET AL. (2016) CONDUCTED A
COMPREHENSIVE STUDY ON THE HERITABILITY
OF COMPLEX TRAITS AND FOUND THAT
GENETICS ACCOUNTED FOR APPROXIMATELY
50% OF INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES IN TRAITS
SUCH AS PERSONALITY, INTELLIGENCE, AND
MENTAL HEALTH. THEY CONCLUDED THAT
GENETIC FACTORS SIGNIFICANTLY CONTRIBUTE
TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THESE BEHAVIORAL
TRAITS.

21. GANDAL ET AL. (2018) EXPLORED THE
GENETIC BASIS OF NEUROPSYCHIATRIC
DISORDERS AND FOUND COMMON GENETIC
FACTORS UNDERLYING DIFFERENT
PSYCHIATRIC CONDITIONS. THIS SUGGESTS
A STRONG GENETIC COMPONENT IN
BEHAVIORAL MANIFESTATIONS OF THESE
DISORDERS.

22. THE FIELD OF BEHAVIORAL GENETICS,
PIONEERED BY RESEARCHERS SUCH AS THOMAS
BOUCHARD, HAS PROVIDED EXTENSIVE EVIDENCE
ON THE HERITABILITY OF VARIOUS BEHAVIORS.
STUDIES ON TWINS, BOTH IDENTICAL AND
FRATERNAL, HAVE SHOWN THAT IDENTICAL
TWINS, WHO SHARE 100% OF THEIR GENETIC
MATERIAL, TEND TO EXHIBIT MORE SIMILAR
BEHAVIORS THAN FRATERNAL TWINS, WHO
SHARE ONLY 50% OF THEIR GENETIC MATERIAL.

23. NEUROLOGICAL FACTORS ALSO AFFECT
BEHAVIOR. FOR INSTANCE, THE
NEUROTRANSMITTER DOPAMINE PLAYS A
CRUCIAL ROLE IN REWARD-MOTIVATED
BEHAVIOR. DEFICITS OR IMBALANCES IN
DOPAMINE LEVELS HAVE BEEN LINKED TO
BEHAVIORS SUCH AS ADDICTION, IMPULSIVITY,
AND ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY
DISORDER (ADHD) (VOLKOW ET AL., 2017).

24. RESEARCH BY RAINE (2013) HAS HIGHLIGHTED
THE IMPACT OF NEUROLOGICAL FACTORS ON
CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR. NEUROIMAGING STUDIES
HAVE SHOWN THAT INDIVIDUALS WITH
ANTISOCIAL TRAITS AND AGGRESSIVE
TENDENCIES EXHIBIT STRUCTURAL AND
FUNCTIONAL ABNORMALITIES IN BRAIN REGIONS
RESPONSIBLE FOR IMPULSE CONTROL AND
EMOTIONAL REGULATION.

25. Genetic factors that can affect human behavior
include genetic predispositions to certain mental
illnesses, such as depression and anxiety, as well as
genetic influences on personality traits, such as
impulsivity and aggression. Other genetic factors that
can affect behavior include genetic influences on
cognitive abilities, such as intelligence and memory,
and genetic influences on physical traits, such as height
and body type. Additionally, genetic factors can
influence behavior by influencing the development of
the brain and nervous system, as well as influencing the
production of hormones and neurotransmitters that can

26. Neurological factors that can affect human
behavior include the structure and function of
the brain, as well as the development of the
nervous system. Additionally, neurological
factors can influence behavior by influencing the
production of hormones and neurotransmitters
that can affect behavior.

27. ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIETAL
FACTORS
•Environmental and societal factors have a
profound impact on behavior. Many
researchers and experts recognize the
significant influence of these factors on
shaping individual and group behaviors. Here
are some examples of individuals who
support this statement:

28. •Bandura's Social Learning Theory: Albert Bandura,
a renowned psychologist, proposed the Social
Learning Theory, which emphasizes the role of
observational learning and modeling in behavior.
Bandura argues that individuals learn behavior by
observing and imitating others in their
environment. This theory highlights the
importance of the social environment and societal
factors in shaping behavior (Bandura, 1977).

29. •Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory:
Urie Bronfenbrenner developed the Ecological
Systems Theory, which posits that human
development is influenced by various
environmental systems, including the
microsystem (immediate surroundings),
mesosystem (connections between different
microsystems), exosystem (indirect influences),
and macrosystem (cultural beliefs and values).
This theory underscores the impact of
environmental and societal factors on behavior

30. •Zimbardo's Stanford Prison Experiment: The
Stanford Prison Experiment conducted by Philip
Zimbardo in 1971 demonstrated the powerful
influence of situational and societal factors on
behavior. The study immersed college students
in a simulated prison environment, and within
days, the participants conformed to their roles
as guards or prisoners, exhibiting extreme
behavioral changes. This experiment provides
evidence for how environmental factors can
shape behavior (Zimbardo, 1973).

31. •4. Milgram's Obedience Study: Stanley
Milgram's obedience study investigated the
willingness of participants to administer electric
shocks to others under the influence of an
authority figure. The study revealed that
participants were highly likely to obey the
authority figure, even when it involved
administering potentially harmful shocks. This
study demonstrated the considerable impact of
situational factors and social norms on
behavior (Milgram, 1974).

32. •Social Identity Theory: Social
psychologists Tajfel and Turner's Social
Identity Theory suggests that individuals'
behavior is influenced by their social
group memberships and the desire for
positive social identity. This theory
emphasizes how societal factors, such as
the groups with which individuals identify,
influence their behavior (Tajfel & Turner,
1979).

33. Environmental & Societal Factors that can Affect Human
Behavior:
• 1. Physical Environment: The physical surroundings, such
as the climate, geographical location, and natural
resources, can influence behavior. For example, people
living in a hot climate may have a more relaxed lifestyle,
while those in a resource-rich area may have more
competitive behavior.
• 2. Social Environment: The social surroundings, including
family, friends, and the larger community, can shape
behavior. People tend to adopt the behaviors and attitudes
of those around them, known as socialization. For
instance, growing up in a culture that values punctuality

34. • 3. Cultural Environment: Cultural norms, beliefs, and values can
significantly impact behavior. Different cultures have their own
rules and traditions that govern behavior, which can shape how
individuals behave in certain situations. For example,
collectivist cultures prioritize group harmony and cooperation,
which can influence behavior towards being more communal
and conforming.
• 4. Economic Environment: Economic factors, such as income
level, job opportunities, and economic stability, can influence
behavior. Individuals living in poverty may be more inclined to
engage in riskier behaviors to meet their basic needs, while
those with higher incomes may have access to better education

35. 5. Technological Environment: Advancements in
technology can have a profound impact on behavior.
New technologies can shape communication, work
patterns, and social interactions. For example, the use
of social media can influence behavior by affecting self-
esteem, relationships, and socialization patterns.
6. Political Environment: The political system and
government policies can affect behavior. Political
instability, corruption, or oppressive regimes can create
societal unrest, leading to different behaviors, such as
protests or civil disobedience.

36. INTERRELATIONSHIPS
•The interrelationships among genetics,
neurological factors, environmental factors,
and societal factors are complex and mutually
influential. These factors interact and shape
behavior in intricate ways. Here's an overview
of the interrelationships among these factors:

37. •1. Gene-Environment Interaction: Genetic
factors can influence how individuals interact
with and respond to their environment. Gene-
environment interaction refers to the
phenomenon where genetic predispositions
interact with environmental factors to influence
behavior. For example, individuals with a
genetic predisposition for alcoholism may be
more likely to develop an alcohol use disorder
if they are exposed to environments that
promote excessive drinking or have easy access

38. •Epigenetics: Epigenetics refers to the study of
changes in gene expression caused by
mechanisms other than alterations in the
underlying DNA sequence. Environmental
factors, such as nutrition, stress, and exposure
to toxins, can impact epigenetic modifications,
which, in turn, influence gene expression and
behavior. Epigenetic changes can be passed
down across generations, further highlighting
the interplay between genetics, environmental
factors, and behavior.

39. •Neurodevelopment: Both genetics and
environmental factors contribute to the
development of the nervous system. Genetic
factors influence the formation and connectivity of
neural circuits, while environmental factors, such
as prenatal nutrition, exposure to toxins, and early
life experiences, can impact brain development.
These neurodevelopmental processes have a direct
impact on behavior, as different brain structures
and functions influence cognitive abilities,
emotional regulation, and social behaviors.

40. •Sociocultural Influences: Societal factors, including
cultural norms, social institutions, and
socialization processes, shape behavior by
providing a framework of expectations and values.
These societal factors interact with individual
genetic and neurological predispositions, as well
as environmental influences, to determine how
individuals perceive, interpret, and respond to
their social environment. For example, cultural
beliefs about gender roles can have a significant
impact on behavior, shaping individuals' attitudes,
career choices, and social interactions.

41. THANK YOU