Were you born this way or are you actually a product of your environment? The concept of innate versus acquired is an ongoing debate, to which no scientist or philosopher has yet been able to provide a definitive answer.

While some studies show that a large part of it personality is hereditary, the exact extent remains largely a mystery. Here’s what experts know so far.

Is personality inherited or learned?

Some researchers define personality as an amalgam of thoughts, feelings and behaviors that distinguish each person. However, there are not a few who consider that the characteristics of the personality are essentially “independent of external influences of the environment”, which do not make it something acquired.

In fact, according to a 2018 study, human personality is estimated to be 30-60% inherited.

In particular, the subject of study are elements of the character of both adopted and twin children with 100% identical DNA, who grew up either together or apart. These studies have consistently concluded that twins share more in common, even when raised in different environments, than unrelated children.

The researchers also discovered 42 pairs of genetic variants that appear to be inextricably linked to personality. In any case, however, no one can dispute that social factors such as childhood experiences and cultural influences play a vital role in character formation.

For example, children raised in adverse conditions, such as challenge, abuse, or poverty, show more impulsive behavior, while those in healthier and safer environments have more calmness.

At what age does a child develop their personality?

There is no specific age at which a child develops their personality, as it is something extremely fluid throughout life. Predisposition consists of two main parts: emotional responses and self-regulation, i.e. the ability to control these responses.

An infant who moves his limbs significantly at the sight of a toy is considered “emotionally responsive,” as scientists say. If the infant smiles, it means that he is quite likely to show extracorporeal behavior when he grows up.

Of course, scientists note that predisposition is rarely strongly linked to personality. For this reason, a more introverted child may also show an emotional response in similar circumstances.

Can you change his personality as an adult?

Yes, your personality can change over time, either intentionally or unintentionally.

According to a 2016 study, with a sample of age groups from 14 to 77 years, the levels of personality stability are particularly low as time passes.

As noted above, personality is often defined as the thoughts, patterns, and behaviors that differentiate one person from another. So, if you want to change aspects of your personality but aren’t sure where to start, a treatment like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps restructure your thoughts and behaviors, is a good place to start.

Forming new habits/behaviors can also be done through techniques such as self-directed neuroplasticity, or the conscious process of looking at how habits make us feel and changing them.