Congenital character is a term used to describe aspects of a person’s character that are present at birth. These traits can be physical, mental, or emotional in nature and can determine a person’s behavior and ability to cope with life and its challenges. While there are many theories as to how these traits are formed, the exact mechanism remains unknown.
Recent research has suggested that congenital character is heavily influenced by genetics, with some studies finding that genetic influences can account for up to 85% of the variation in personality traits. For example, a study of twins found that the heritability of neuroticism, a trait associated with anxiety and depression, was 50-60%. This suggests that genetic influences play a large role in shaping a person’s character from birth.
In addition to genetic influences, environmental factors can also play a role in shaping a person’s character. Studies have found that parenting style, early childhood experiences, and other environmental influences can all have an effect on a person’s character traits. For example, research has shown that parents who engage in authoritarian parenting styles are more likely to produce children with higher levels of aggression and impulsivity. Similarly, children who experience significant stress or trauma during early childhood are more likely to develop traits such as anxiety or depression later in life.
Overall, it is clear that congenital character is a complex phenomenon that is likely influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Understanding the role of these factors can help researchers gain insight into the development of personality traits and help inform interventions and therapies to help individuals cope with mental health issues.
References
Belsky, J., Bakermans-Kranenburg, M. J., & van IJzendoorn, M. H. (2007). For better and for worse: Differential susceptibility to environmental influences. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 16(6), 300-304. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8721.2007.00525.x
Kendler, K. S., Myers, J., & Zietsch, B. P. (2008). Genetic and environmental influences on the covariation between neuroticism and depression. Psychological Medicine, 38(3), 425-435. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0033291707001680
Kochanska, G., Barry, R. A., Kim, S., & Philibert, R. A. (2009). Genetic and environmental influences on the internalization of self-regulation: A family study. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 96(4), 857-869. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0014266