By Lillea Hartwell, ND
The Nature vs. Nurture Debate and Its Impact on Mothers
The nature vs. nurture debate has existed since the dawn of psychology and even earlier. Philosophers seeking to explain the origins of human personality narrowed it down to environmental and genetic factors, a concept that continues to shape modern psychological theory. Plato argued that nature and nurture played a role, while Aristotle believed that human characteristics were acquired through sensory experiences.
In the 1600s, this debate resurfaced, with Locke proposing the “blank slate” theory, suggesting that experience shapes all human traits, while Descartes emphasized the uniqueness of genetic inheritance. Darwin later expanded on these ideas with his theory of natural selection, which posited that traits aiding survival are passed down through evolution. Despite these milestones, questions about the balance of nature and nurture remain unresolved, keeping the debate alive in psychology. ¹
The Role of Self-Care in Maternal Mental Health
Humans are a product of both nature and nurture. Our genes provide biological potential, but our environment determines how that potential is realized. This interplay is evident in traits like language acquisition—our brains are hardwired for language, but environmental exposure influences our mastery of it.
This concept extends to humor, aggression, and even criminal behavior. Children raised in high-crime areas may develop more active aggression centers in their brains. Research shows that most inmates experienced unstable childhoods between the ages of zero and six. While genetic predispositions influence behavioral tendencies, they do not predetermine them. ² The same is true for self-care in mothers—environmental stressors and cultural norms can determine how mothers prioritize their well-being, affecting themselves and their children.
Psychological Conditions and the Impact of Maternal Self-Care on Children
The first six years of life are crucial for development, with children undergoing rapid physical, emotional, and cognitive changes. Concepts like the “Terrible Twos” highlight how certain developmental phases are universally recognized. Children build on genetic “blueprints,” relying on emotional and physical care from parents to achieve optimal growth. Babies instinctively seek food, protection, and care, establishing attachments with caregivers—especially mothers. ³
Emotional and physical development are interlinked. Children need emotional security to grow physically; strong parental attachment fosters that security. Self-care in mothers plays a vital role in this process, as it supports the emotional availability that children require.
The nature vs. nurture debate is especially relevant when considering psychological disorders like schizophrenia. Abnormal brain activity, neurotransmitter imbalances (like dopamine), and prenatal viral infections can all increase the risk of schizophrenia. Evidence shows that children with biological parents diagnosed with schizophrenia are at greater risk themselves. Factors like parental age and environmental stressors further complicate this equation. ⁴ ⁵
Mothers’ mental health can significantly influence their children’s development. Research highlights that depressive symptoms in mothers correlate with increased depressive symptoms in their children. Separation from parents, birth complications, and maternal mental health challenges like schizophrenia can all increase the likelihood of psychological issues in children. ⁶
The Need for Personalized Self-Care Plans
Self-care for mothers requires a personalized approach. Research suggests that self-care activities like stress management, sleep hygiene, mental health support, and hormonal balance can help improve both maternal well-being and child outcomes.
One study found that housewives often experience mental health challenges because of irregular sleep patterns, emotional fluctuations, and the overwhelming responsibilities of managing household chores. ¹ These stressors leave little time for self-care, which impacts not only the mother’s mental well-being but also her caregiving capacity.¹¹
As a naturopathic doctor, I have found that co-creating self-care plans with patients is far more effective than prescribing a one-size-fits-all approach. When a self-care plan is too complicated, time-consuming, or costly, it becomes impractical for mothers with demanding schedules. Personalized self-care strategies, therefore, must be adaptable to the individual’s unique needs and constraints.
Conclusion
The nature vs. nurture debate will likely persist indefinitely. Each new psychological theory presents an opportunity to reexamine the interplay of genetics and environment, and these shifts in perspective influence the way society approaches mental health care. From nativism to behaviorism to cognitive psychology, prevailing ideologies have shaped public discourse and the understanding of human development. For mothers, the impact of nature and nurture extends to their children. When a mother prioritizes self-care, she supports her emotional well-being, which benefits her children. Without this care, both nature (genetics) and nurture (environment) can influence a child’s psychological development, potentially perpetuating cycles of intergenerational trauma. Research underscores the need for mothers to prioritize self-care—not only for their own sake but also for the well-being of future generations.
Lillea Hartwell, ND, RH (AHG) is a graduate of Sonoran University of Health Sciences. She obtained a BS in Plant Sciences with a minor in Environmental Sciences at the University of Arizona. Dr Hartwell has earned the distinction of Registered Herbalist with the American Herbalists Guild. She teaches at the college level and practices medicine at her private practice, Saguaro Blossom Medical Center, in Tucson, AZ. Dr Hartwell has a passion for general medicine, especially in urgent care settings like wound care and minor surgery, as well as rheumatology and other autoimmune conditions. For more information, visit drlilleahartwell.com.
References
- Myers, David G. Psychology. 8th ed. New York City: Worth Publishers, 2007. Print. Chapter 1.
- Myers, David G. Psychology. 8th ed. New York City: Worth Publishers, 2007. Print. Chapter 1.
- Myers, David G. Psychology. 8th ed. New York City: Worth Publishers, 2007. Print. Chapter 1.
- Myers, David G. Psychology. 8th ed. New York City: Worth Publishers, 2007. Print. Chapter 16.
- Myers, David G. Psychology. 8th ed. New York City: Worth Publishers, 2007. Print. Chapter 16.
- Myers, David G. Psychology. 8th ed. New York City: Worth Publishers, 2007. Print. Chapter 16.
- Wu Q, Slesnick N. Substance Abusing Mothers with a History of Childhood Abuse and Their Children’s Depressive Symptoms: The Efficacy of Family Therapy. J Marital Fam Ther. 2020;46(1):81-94. doi:10.1111/jmft.12364
- Kaplan, V. Mental Health States of Housewives: an Evaluation in Terms of Self-Perception and Codependency. Int J Ment Health Addiction 21, 666–683 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-022-00910-1
- Firoz Wagla Wala, S. (2021). The Psychological Aspects of Home-Makers and Women during Pandemic. IntechOpen. doi: 10.5772/intechopen.97687
