This week, I'd like you to address each one of these questions by Thursday at 1pm. Please include 2-4 sentences and a reference for each response:
1)What does niche building refer to in the context our nature/nurture discussion? Hypothesize an example of niche building.
2) According to Krueger and Johnson, what type of interactive genetic effects are most common? Hypothesize your own example of an interactive genetic effect.
3) How does sin impact the Balswicks' model of family relationships?
1)
ReplyDeleteA) Niche building is an example of the encompassing, entangled influence that interplay between nature and nurture has on human development. (Kruger p.293) It refers to when an individual seeks out or indeed creates an environment that corresponds with her natural personality traits, which in turn enforces increasing development and dependency upon them.(Kruger p.300)
B) Say a boy is born predisposed to be introverted and lack openness with others. He becomes taciturn and jejune and his interactions with his peers reinforces a feeling of estrangement. To cope with his isolation he peruses activities that don't require any depth of interaction, reduces his social anxiety and allows him to feel comfortable being by himself. He reads by himself, pursues solitary social activities such as video games, and enters into a scientific field for employment. These activities increase his lack of desire to be sociable and reinforce his self perception as an introvert.
2)
A) A genetic predisposition to anti-social behavior through hormone inhibitions can be triggered by parental maltreatment in early youth. (Kruger p.299) Inherited susceptibility to health problems are activated by stressors, which is in and of itself detrimental to self-care, which then in turn effect the occurrence rates for illness. (Kruger p.299)
B) A genetic predisposition to anxiety causes the person to seek out calming influences, a low stress job and a less anxiety prone mate. This leads to a much more relaxed environment for both the individual and his children.
3)The familial model that Balswick describes is a system based relational principles derived from biblical concepts. (Balswick p.20-21)In sin we will ultimately fail to live up to the covenantal commitments we must ascribe to create a deep fulfilling relationship with our families. Through the recognition of our own ineptitude and a shared reliance on the redemptive power of God we can create an environment the fosters and atmosphere of forgiveness and grace from and toward our family for our mistakes. (Balswick p.22)
1. Niche building, with regards to the nature/nurture discussion, revolves around the idea that a person’s life experiences will continue to reinforce the characteristics that first brought the individual to those life experiences (Dr. Schnitker lecture, 10/5/10, Krueger and Johnson, 2008, p. 301). For example, an individual was created with a very conscientious personality. As he develops and goes to school, he is naturally quite mindful about the timeliness and quality of his schoolwork. Soon the teacher notices his good work and praises his achievement, which also leads to approval from his family. Now, the individual becomes an excellent student (his niche), stemming from this idea that if he is conscientious about his schoolwork, he will receive laude and acceptance from his teachers and from his family. This scenario provides an example of the way in which an individual’s natural characteristics can be reinforced through many life experiences, ultimately leading that person to find his or her niche.
ReplyDelete2. According to Krueger and Johnson (2008), the most common type of interactive genetic effects are gene-environment interactions. These interactions “occur when genetic differences are moderated by environmental effects” (p. 298). An example regarding a study about a group of boys carrying a “low-activity” MAO-A gene is used. These boys were found to be more likely to show antisocial behavior in adolescence and young adulthood IF they had been subjected to maltreatment by their parents (Krueger and Johnson, 2008, p. 299). The genetic predisposition to antisocial behaviors of this group of boys seemed to be influenced by their home environments. Likewise, a child may have the genetic predisposition to experience depression (i.e. family history, biochemical imbalances, etc). The child may or may not develop depression. However, if the child’s parents are both tragically killed in an accident, and consequently, the child is placed into a poor foster care system, a higher risk of developing depression exists. The new stressors within the child’s environment interacting with the previously existing genetic predispositions could trigger the onset of depression.
3. The Balswick’s idea of family relationships is anchored to a God-centered model. Around the God-centered core, the family members should all experience an abundance of unconditional love, grace for mistakes, empowerment to flourish both as members of the family and of God’s kingdom while experiencing intimacy in communication with one another. Ideally, the members of the family should interact with each other under the umbrella of unconditional love, grace, empowerment, and intimacy while being near to God (Balswick and Balswick 2007, p. 33). However, since humankind is fallen and sinful, family relationships often become distorted and hurtful. Rather than allowing God to remain at the center of the family, our sinfulness can lead to a Self-centered model of family functioning. Once the self gains control, unconditional love quickly becomes conditional. Grace is no longer welcome, and shame enters the family unit. And, that which was once empowering for the family is traded for ultimate control. Naturally, these behaviors lead to a lack of intimacy among the members of the family causing everyone involved to be distanced from one another (Balswick and Balswick, 2007, p. 34-35). The way to maintain a God-centered family model is to realize that we need God’s unconditional love in our lives to attain our perfection in Christ (Balswick and Balswick, 2007, p. 35).
(Grant Goodman)
ReplyDelete1. Niche building refers to a person finding or creating an environment that reinforces their genetic predisposition (Krueger and Johnson p. 301). For example, often the personality that a child is naturally inclined to is reinforced by their environment. Children who are agreeable are reinforced by pleasing their parents and by being well liked by their peers. Children who are extroverted are reinforced by having more friends and having people reciprocate their friendliness. This can also be true for introverted children who, by playing alone, enjoy themselves and avoid rejection by others.
2. The most common type of interactive genetic effects are when the environment moderates genetic differences (Krueger & Johnson p. 298). Krueger and Johnson on page 299 discussed a study that found that boys that carried the MAO-A gene were more likely to have antisocial personality tendencies if they were severely abused in childhood. I would hypothesize, then that other types of psychological abnormality could function in a similar way. Perhaps a certain gene makes bipolar disorder more likely if a person is exposed to parental abuse, bullying at school, or is malnourished.
3. In this model of relationships, sin the relational condition of falling short of being a reciprocating self (Balswick, King & Reimer p. 68). Sin is often ignored in relationship models, but sin damages relationships and causes guilt in the sinner. For this reason, God’s forgiveness is essential. This forgiveness of sin alleviates guilt and shame and brings reconciliation between people and God (Balswick et. Al, p. 68).
1)Niche building refers to a sort of interactive relationship between genes and environment. People's genetic predispositions, or personality traits, unconsciously lead them to seek out certain environments, which in-turn reinforce those same personality traits. For example an extravert seeks out crowds, and is more positively received by the crowed due their extraverted nature, which further reinforces their extraverted nature (Krueger & Johnson, 2008, pp. 300-301; Schnitker, 2010, Class Lecture).
ReplyDelete2) According to Krueger and Johnson (2008, p. 299), evolution or natural selection is a perfect example of genetic by environment interaction and correlation and is occurring on a daily basis. People seek out environments that are compatible with their personality just as in niche building. As an example, and introverted individual naturally avoids more social situations and becomes comfortable in the less social environment, further reinforcing that introverted behavior and perpetuating it (Krueger & Johnson, 2008, p. 299).
3) The Balswicks discuss hurting behaviors (or sin) and healing behaviors within families. According to their understanding, all families fall somewhere on a continuum of hurting and healing behaviors. When hurting behaviors (or sin) is chosen rather than healing behaviors, the entire family is negatively impacted. Whereas healing behaviors lead to familial growth and benefit (Balswick & Balswick, 2008, pp. 31-33).
1. Niche building refers to choosing life experiences or circumstances that reinforce the characteristics which initially led the person to those experiences (Krueger and Johnson, 2008, p. 293). Because people naturally gravitate toward “environments that meet their psychological needs,” nurture and nature cyclically affect and influence each other (p. 293). For example, a child may be extremely outgoing and enjoy striking up conversations with family members, friends, and strangers. The more he talks with people, the more his conversational skills are honed. And the more his conversational skills are honed, the more he enjoys speaking with others (and others enjoy speaking with him).
ReplyDelete2. According to Krueger and Johnson (2008), gene-environment interactions (G x E), in which environmental factors affect genetic differences, are the most common interactive genetic effects (p. 298). For example, a child might have a genetic predisposition to develop alcohol abuse problems. If he grows up with a lot of peer pressure to drink alcohol or has a low frustration tolerance, he may be at higher risk to become an alcoholic because of his predisposition to abuse alcohol.
3. According to the Balswicks, family relationships are either “dynamic and maturing” or “stagnant and dying” (Balswick and Balswick, 2007, p. 21). The maturing relationships involve four cyclical stages of growing mutual commitment, grace, empowerment, and intimacy. The “stagnant and dying” relationships are those affected by sin and lead to a relational cycle of contract, law, possessive power, and distance (Balswick & Balswick, 2007, p. 21). Some of the sinful or “hurting” behaviors that are mentioned in the book include conditional love, self-centeredness, faultfinding, and lack of communication (Balswick & Balswick, 2007, p. 33). These behaviors are self-interested instead of family-oriented. And because these are problems at the personal level, obstacles to interpersonal relationships inevitably arise (Balswick & Balswick, 2007, p. 34).
1. Niche building is the creation of an environment that builds from ones genetic predisposition. Individuals posses traits that lead them into situations and experiences that reinforce and elaborate on those same traits (Krueger and Johnson p. 301). If a child posses a disposition toward intellectualism they will succeed in academia. This will shape the views others have toward the child, and how the child is treated. The child may be praised for this and encouraged in his excellence. The child, in turn, will be reinforced in his view of himself and continue to excel in academics because he holds a self concept that affirms him as a success in areas of intellect.
ReplyDelete2. According to Krueger and Johnson, the most common type of interactive genetic effects are gene-environment interactions (Krueger and Johnson p. 298). With knowledge of this theory, I would hypothesize that if an individual were to experience maltreatment in their childhood their genetics would be altered and the child may later experience an alteration in brain chemistry, leading to the development of depression. This depression may then, in turn, lead to psycho somtaic pain problems. Affecting both the individuals psychological and biological well being.
3. Sin disrupts the model of the reciprocating self in families. The family should be centered around God and built on unconditional loves, grace, empowerment and intimacy. When sin works its way into families it moves the foundation from Christ over to the hurting family creating conditional love and withholding grace (Balswick p33-34). Sin is the condition causing us to fall short of what it means to live as a reciprocating self.
1. Within the nature/nurture context, niche building is the tendency of people to find and stay in environments that are associated with their personality attributes. This allows the personality to be secure and flourish. The “trait-correlated” environments chosen reinforce the original personality and behavior by responding in correspondence to the traits (Krueger & Johnson, p. 300). An example would be a child who is easily angered and irritable at school. Other students and teachers respond back with anger and irritability. This reinforces the original tendencies of the child (Krueger & Johnson, p. 301).
ReplyDelete2. The most common interactive genetic effect is a gene-interactive environment. A gene-interactive environment is when environment influences genetic differences (Krueger & Johnson, p. 299). For example, if a young girl is predisposed to depression and low self-esteem, then is surrounded by media praising thin, confident models, she is more likely to become even more depressed and have even lower self-esteem.
3. Balswick's model of family relationships is modeled after God. Ideally, the relationship among family members should reflect God’s unconditional love, especially grace and forgiveness (Balswick, p. 33). Because we fall into sin and "hurt" one another, the practice of compassion and understanding should be greatly stressed in order to establish an unconditional, healing, and God-like environment (Balswick, p. 34-35).
1. Niche building refers to the interaction and influence that genetics have one’s environment and vice versa (Krueger & Johnson, pg. 300) Niche building basically states that we seek out situations that are in line with our personality. In other words the more outgoing one is the more likely they will seek out opportunities that will enable them to be outgoing. In turn though, the environment influences the way we act based on reinforcing factors. If we receive positive reinforcement for being outgoing, we will be more likely to continue the behavior. An example might look like this: a boy who has a social phobia chooses to spend a lot of time away from crowds and people because of his fear of rejection. Thus, when in the few times he does approach other people they do end up rejecting him because he might not have developed strong social skills and/or friendships with his peers which in turn will make him even more phobic.
ReplyDelete2. The most common interactive genetic effects are those that are affected by the environment (Krueger & Johnson, pg. 299) Similar to the diathesis stress model, it assumes that if someone is predisposed to develop a certain disorder or type of behavior, they might or might not display any signs of the disorder or behavior unless something in their environment prompts the trait to be manifested. For example, someone might be predisposed to behave aggressively, but if they are brought up in an environment that never causes them to act aggressively, that specific predisposition might not make a difference.
3. Sin impacts the Balswicks’ model of family relationships in a negative way because it becomes influenced by self-centeredness, judgments, condemnation, conditional love, and a lack of grace (Balswick & Balswick, pg 32). When we fail to treat others in a compassionate and merciful way, we hinder our relationships with one another. It is not only important that we acknowledge and accept the grace we have received through Christ for ourselves, but that we extend the same grace towards others. When we neglect God and attempt to do it our way, ourselves, it damages our familial relationships.
1. During the process of niche building, the traits that people already possess lead them to create situations and experiences that reinforce and elaborate on those same personality traits (p.301; Krueger & Johnson, 2008). Using the example of extroversion, a social child who naturally enjoys attention will seek environments, jobs, and relationships that end up strengthening his or her initial trait.
ReplyDelete2. Krueger and Johnson refer to gene-environment interactions as being the most common form of interactive genetic effects. These interactions occur when genetic differences are moderated by environmental effects (p.298-299; Krueger & Johnson, 2008). I would hypothesize that children born with a predisposition for alcoholism would be more inclined to abuse alcohol if their guardians abused the substance around them.
3. The Balswicks’ model of family relationships states that all family members fall on a continuum between hurting and healing behaviors. Sin sometimes causes family members to choose hurting behaviors, which, in turn, negatively impact the entire family. Some of these hurting behaviors include conditional love, self-centeredness, perfectionism, faultfinding, efforts to control others, unreliability, denial of feelings, and lack of communication. Hurting families under the weight of sin engage in a circular pattern of hurting behavior towards each other. (p.33-35; Balswick & Balswick, 2007).
Ashli Roland
ReplyDelete1) Niche building is a case in which nurture (environment) is as much if not more responsible for stability in personality as is nature (genes). Niche building is cyclical in nature as environment reinforces behavior initially begun out of genetics and further behavior is further reinforced by environment strengthening the behavior not only into habit but into the very core being of that individual (Krueger and Johnson, 293).
Another stated interaction of nature and nurture on niche building is seen in the statement by Krueger and Johnson that, “genetic effects on personality drive genetic effects on environmental experiences” (294). To paraphrase how you act due to your genetics will effect how people treat you.
An example of this could be academic performance and perception throughout elementary school. A certain student does very well in math in 1st grade and is praised by the teacher. (We are presuming she also has an analytical mind genetically). She thinks of herself as doing well in math. The 1st grade teacher tells the 2nd grade teacher how well the student does at math. In second grade the student is expected to do well and praised often for her math skill. It continues on. The student is very confident in her math skill and eventually becomes a mathematician.
2) Krueger and Johnson assert both that “environmental influences are themselves shaped by genetics” and that the expression of genes are influenced by the environment, particularly “the person’s psychological experience of the world” (293, 298).
Cindy is a naturally outgoing and talkative girl. She is growing up in a culture that values submissive and quiet women. When she begins attending school she is scolded and shamed for speaking too much. In time, she speaks less and less and becomes more of an observer. Genetically she was inclined to be outgoing but environmentally she was encouraged to appear shy.
3) In The Reciprocating Self, Balswick, King, and Reimer define sin as, “a failure to be in right relationship” (67). Balswick’s model of Christian family relationships in The Family, focuses on four essential elements for family relationships: commitment, grace, empowering, and intimacy. He says, “Growth in family relationships can be blocked or retarded when one person in the relationship is unable or unwilling to reciprocate covenant love, grace, empowering, or intimacy” (Balswick, 21). So, applying the above meaning of sin, we can conclude that sin hinders or even halts growth and functioning within the family, it breaks the relationship from what it should be.
Niche building is the process of an individual creating or seeking an environment that favors his/her personality traits, traits that are heavily reliant upon genetic heritability (Kruger and Johnson p. 300). For instance, a child with a proclivity toward sensitivity will be drawn towards others hurt and, thus, this child’s natural aptitude will continue to be developed by the situations that he gets drawn into. Niche building is a prime example of how the nature or nurture debate doesn’t hold true, as environment is influenced by genetics.
ReplyDeleteAs stated by Kruger and Johnson, the most prevalent genetic effect is the gene environment interaction (Kruger and Johnson p. 299). This effect is the result of an environment moderating genetic dispositions (Kruger and Johnson p. 299). If, for example, a child with a propensity for anger was born into a home with parents who were both specialist in anger management, it is likely that the full force of his anger would not be seen due to his upbringing.
The Balswicks discuss sin as a relational transgression, one in which an individual fails at “being a reciprocating self” (Balswick, King, Reimer, 2005 p. 68). Being the case, the Balswicks go on to discuss the impact of sin within a family unit as a relational stumbling block that prevents the formation of a “mature covenant” by “block(ing) or retard(ing)” a families growth (Balswick and Balswick, 2007 p.21). The impact of an individual’s sin on a family will influence the degree to which an entire family is able to engage in commitment, intimacy, grace and empowerment (Balswick and Balswick, 2007 p. 21).
1. Niche building, in the context of our nature/nurture discussion refers to the idea that an individual will create an environment for him- or herself that is both comfortable and familiar. This environment will be reinforced through experience. (Krueger & Johnson, 301) We could imagine the example of a musical prodigy who receives praise for his amazing talent. This praise and admiration reinforces his desire to become an even better musician, and therefore increases his amount of practice and dedication to his art.
ReplyDelete2.According to Krueger and Johnson, gene-environment interactions are most common (298). In these interactions, the environment impacts some characteristic that an individual was already genetically predisposed to. As an example, we could hypothesize someone who works in a cemetery becoming depressed because of his genetic predisposition to depression being impacted by his constant interaction with sad and morose situations.
3. The Balswicks have a theological view of the family structure. In this regard, the family operates much like the Trinity, as discussed both in class and in The Reciprocating Self, both as individuals and as a complete unit. Within the family, there are four foundational beliefs: unconditional love, grace (acceptance and forgiveness), empowerment of one another, and intimacy (Balswick & Balswick, 33). Sin creates a chasm in the family, and disrupts the healthy process of growing together, especially in regard to these four foundations.
1. Niche building refers to the concept that personality traits prompt individuals to enter and participate in situations in a specific way, which causes reinforcement and a furthering of those personality styles (Krueger, p. 301). This theory expands on the case for nature prompting nurture to solidify a person's unique set of traits. Nature supplies an individual set of characteristics which interact with nurture in a way to reinforce the pre-existing condition.
ReplyDeleteIf a young person starts off life acting in a neurotic way, those around them might seek to provide a controlled environment, allow the child to be easily sensitive to things, or expect a huge reaction to stress. This treatment would prompt the child to expect tension during difficult situations, not be assimilated into stressful scenarios, or exposed to confusing or conflicting issues. Thus the natural disposition of neuroticism gets nurtured, furthered, continued and expected by the social groups and contexts the individual encounters.
2. The most common type of interactive genetic effects are gene-environment interactions (Krueger, p. 299). This is when the environment stresses a population or individual and influences genetic expression. One example of this might be someone carrying a genetic predisposition for bipolar disorder, and then she becomes pregnant. The hormones and stress of the pregnancy might prompt her body to lapse into a full-fledged diagnosis of bipolar disorder where before there was none. (Bipolar disorder being assumed right now to be highly genetic in expression).
3. Balswick's model of family relationships is impacted by sin on an individual level and a familial one. Sin brings a focus to the self, and takes it away from the relationship. This brings into conflict the receiving individual of this selfish, and causes them to react as well. They might not feel loved, or withhold grace, or try to control the situation. A break needs to occur in this pattern of hurt- only achieved by receiving unconditional love from God. Only God's love can reach into these patterns of self-destruction and allow the individuals to begin loving each other fully and communicating in healthy ways. (Balswick & Balswick, p. 33-35).
1)What does niche building refer to in the context our nature/nurture discussion? Hypothesize an example of niche building.
ReplyDeleteNiche building refers to the selection by an individual, or a group of people, to an environment that is somewhat congruent with their genetic predisposition (Krueger & Johnson, p. 299). These environments reinforce personality traits that are encoded in the individual's genes, which elicits future behavior of the same nature (Krueger & Johnson, p . 300).
For example, a young girl may experience anxiety around figures of authority that is evident of the prevalence of a specific gene in her genetic makeup. She seeks to avoid this anxiety by intentional keeping herself from going to friend's houses (where she would encounter her friend's parents, an authority figure) or avoid doing any work or talent that would make her stand out. Due to her anxiety, those who would notice this problem and help her are unable to get close to her to know that the problem exists.
2) According to Krueger and Johnson, what type of interactive genetic effects are most common? Hypothesize your own example of an interactive genetic effect.
Krueger and Johnson believe that interaction between a non-shared environment and genetic material is the most common of interaction to be found (Krueger & Johnson, p. 300). The interaction between genetics and a shared environment has not been effective shown in research studies, nor does it seem rational to see it in real life (Krueger & Johnson, p. 300).
To illustrate this point imagine that an earthquake has hit L.A. and its the big one, resulting in massive amounts of damage. Individuals may respond very differently to the aftermath as a result of their genetic material and their upbringing. Some may spearhead a rescue effort to find loved ones that may still be alive, but trapped under the debris, while others may mourn or be angry and do nothing. The individual choices we make differ in our mainly due to our genetics, but also on up non-shared experiences that reinforce behavior based on our personalities.
3) How does sin impact the Balswicks' model of family relationships?
Sin, in the context of a developmental teleology, is falling short of attaining a a fully formed reciprocating self. The specific criteria that may have been missed include "unconditional love, gracing, empowerment and intimacy." (Balswick, King, & Reimer, 2005, pp. 68). Similarly, sin affects family relationships by not allowing fully functional mature relationships to exist between family members. The mature relationship is a result of unconditional love, empowerment, grace, and intimacy which develops into a bilateral love commitment (Balswick & Balswick, p. 21). When these things fall short hurting behaviors occur.
Niche Building refers to the process in which one seeks out or gradually alters elements in the immediate environment to correlate with and reinforce already-held genetic characteristics of personality (Kreuger & Johnson, 2008, p. 300). Empirical evidence corroborating this process serves as testament to the complex interplay between genetic predispositions and environmental influences throughout the course of human development. For instance, consider a young boy with a genetic predilection for introversion and lack of openness. These heavily hereditary personality characteristics may manifest themselves behaviorally, leading the young boy to more frequently seek out social interactions involving fewer people, perhaps others with similar interpersonal tendencies. Because he is perhaps shy and demur, he may find that other children do not interact as openly with him. This particular social environment will likely reinforce his propensity for behaviors most associated with introversion and lack of openness.
ReplyDeleteAccording to Krueger and Johnson (2008, p. 299), the most common type of interactive genetic effects are gene-environment effects, in which the exposure to various environmental elements moderates the expressions of genetic propensities. For instance, two individuals, Tom and Jerry, may both hold similar hereditary addictive tendencies. Tom, growing up in a home that demonstrates moral aversion against drinking and drug-use may learn to use more healthy methods of coping with handling stress. However, if Jerry grows up in a home in which alcohol and drugs are regularly used as means of coping with daily stressors, he may find his genetic tendencies intensified.
Balswick, King, and Reimer (2005, p. 67) describe a theological perspective that defines sin as, “a failure to be in right relationship.” This right relationship, modeled after the mature and covenantal relationship demonstrated by God throughout history, utilizes unconditional commitment, grace, empowerment, and intimacy to encourage the development of the reciprocating self (2005, p. 51). Because sin is a selfish act, it stymies our ability to live in right reciprocity with body of believers and with our creator. Balswick & Balswick (2007, p. 33) extend the need for covenantal relationship in healthy familial relationships, exploring the impact that sin has. “Inasmuch as all family members are imperfect, with their own individual temperaments and experiences, they progress at different rates in the process of realizing God’s ideals of unconditional love, grace, empowering, and intimacy. That is to say, all family members fall on a continuum between hurting and healing behaviors,” (2007, p.33).
1)What does niche building refer to in the context our nature/nurture discussion? Hypothesize an example of niche building.
ReplyDelete- Niche building refers to the process in which “individuals create, seek out, or end up in environments that are correlated with their personality traits (highly influenced by genes).” (Krueger and Johnson, 300) They are a “perfect example” of the gene (nature) – environment (nurture) correlation Krueger and Johnson discuss, in which genetic differences are associated with differential exposure to environmental circumstances. (Krueger and Johnson, 299) “Once people enter [these] trait-correlated environments,” Krueger and Johnson state, “[the] environments may have causal effects of their own, contributing to the maintenance of the personality trait and preventing the development of opportunities for change.” (Krueger and Johnson, 300) These effects are often examples of G x E (Gene-Environment interaction). An example of niche building might be a child who desires to be moved to a small, private school, due to the fact that she is introverted, cautious, and slightly neurotic. At a public school, with large class sizes, less discipline, and some unruly children, she may not feel comfortable. The move to a small, private school, may supply her with an environment that would serve to reinforce her current personality traits.
2) According to Krueger and Johnson, what type of interactive genetic effects are most common? Hypothesize your own example of an interactive genetic effect.
- According to Krueger and Johnson, gene-environment interactive effects are most common. (Krueger and Johnson, 299) Genes and the environment interact such that genetic differences are moderated by the environment. (298) In addition, genetic differences are often associated with differential exposure to environmental circumstances. (299) One example of an interactive genetic effect might be a person who is predisposed (genetically) to be independent, but has such a wonderful, fun-loving, close-knit family (environment), that she cannot help but want to spend a lot of time with them.
3) How does sin impact the Balswicks' model of family relationships?
- The Balswick’s model of family relationships based on a Biblical theology and concept of covenant involves four sequential but nonlinear stages: covenant, grace, empowering, and intimacy. (Balswick and Balswick, 20) The family’s covenant commitment is based on unconditional love. Out of the security of unconditional love, grace develops, which allows family members the freedom to empower one another, which leads to the possibility of intimacy, which then leads back to a deeper level of covenant commitment. (21) When sin enters the equation in the form of conditional love, self-centeredness, perfectionism, faultfinding, efforts to control others, unreliability, denial of feelings, and/or lack of communication, the focus is on the self rather than on the best interests of other family members. (33) Consequently, a vicious circular pattern based on conditional love, shame, control and lack of feeling results. (34)
1. According to Krueger and Johnson (2008, p. 300) niche building refers to the tendency of people to enter into environments that match existing personality traits and further encourage said personality traits. Thus the natural tendencies for a specific personality trait inform the choice of environments and the experiences in that environment (nurture) further strengthen and develop the original personality trait. For example, an outgoing college freshman may choose to pledge a fraternity or sorority (an environment that rewards extraversion) and thus become even more extraverted.
ReplyDelete2. Krueger and Johnson (2008) discuss the interaction of genetic and both shared and non-shared environmental influences on personality traits especially; they indicate that the interactive effects of genetics and non-shared environments are more common (Krueger and Johnson, 2008, pp. 299-300). A hypothesized example of such an effect would be as follows: Two students of similar age are both competing in a speech competition. One student is naturally outgoing, while the other is naturally shy. Both have been told they have to compete as a part of class. They have a non-shared experience as the outgoing child finds the experience empowering and exciting, while the shy student is nervous and embarrassed and feels she did poorly. Their genetic influences clearly affect how they experience the event and similarly, the non-shared event increases their tendencies toward extraversion and non-extraversion respectively.
3. As humans of sinful flesh in a sinful world, sin is bound to impact our familial relationships. The Balswicks’ model of family relationships considers four aspects of relationships (“commitment,” “grace,” “empowering,” and “intimacy”) and is based on the relationship of God with His people (Balswick and Balswick 1999, pp. 20-22). Sin impacts our relationships within families just as sin impacts our relationship with God. While Chapter 1 indicates that sin can impact each of the four aspects, it is most easily visible in the grace aspect, in that as God grants grace and forgiveness, the family should also be focused on grace when family members sin and make mistakes (Balswick and Balswick, 1999, pp. 26-27). It can be extrapolated that grace and forgiveness should further encourage more grace and forgiveness within the family, just as Jesus’ parable of the unmerciful servant teaches us to forgive as we are forgiven (Bible, Matt. 18: 21-35).
1) The idea of niche building directly influences the nature verses nurture discussion to a great extent. Though genetics certainly play a part (Berger 188) as well as the environment in which one is raised, it has become evident that individuals will choose environments which work within their genetic predispositions. (Kreuger and Johnson 294, 300-1) This occurs when a child who is very inhibited and shy, seeks to play alone and perform activities which are familiar. Sticking to these safe environments will reinforce their psychological needs and their genetic tendencies (Krueger and Johnson 293).
ReplyDelete2) Some of the interactive genetic effects which Krueger and Johnson mentioned were gene and environment interaction. This can be seen in a child’s naturally easy and positive temperment being reinforced by high parental regard (Krueger and Johnson 298) and those prone to be aggressive due to genes will also have this reinforced through negative environmental interactions (Krueger and Johnson 301-2). They also found that a religious upbringing “reduced the impact of genetic factors on initiating smoking” (Krueger and Johnson 298). An example of this could be an individual who is prone to thrill seeking stimuli, depending on their parental and peer responses the child could either suppress or further express these desires. Krueger and Johnson express it well when they write, “genetic influences on personality affect the beds we make, and then we lie in them” (301).
( 3) The biggest way which sin has crept into the family system according to the Balswicks’ is through desires to control and dominate (Balswick 271). This example of sinfulness is clearly seen in the story of Cain and Able, as Able attempts to assert his power over that of Cain (Balswick 272). It is this type of sinfulness which has leaked down to our generations and leads individuals to zealously guard their power and resources and make efforts to keep their subordinates dependent (Balswick 282). In the family relationship one must not allow for these power struggles to ensue, but instead work towards mutual empowerment (Balswick 280-283).
1. Niche building refers to when the traits that people already possess lead them to create situations and experiences that reinforce and elaborate on those same personality traits (Krueger, 301). An example of such would be when an extremely introverted adolescent would continually ostracize himself from his peers as he finds that it’s much more fulfilling to be alone. Now that he is perpetually in situations where he has no peers around him and has no stimulus whatsoever to interact with others, he believes for himself that he truly is an introvert.
ReplyDelete2. Types of interactive genetic effects that are most common are when genetic differences are moderated by environmental effects (Krueger, 297). An example of such can include a highly religious female who is genetically predisposed to depression. If she were to undergo a traumatic event, her religious coping would certainly act as a buffer against this environmental shock. If she didn’t have such a religious background, there would have been a high likelihood that her depression could have been set off.
3. Due to sin, all family members are imperfect with their own individual temperaments and experiences. All family members therefore fall at one point of having hurting behaviors. However, all believers also have the capacity to follow God’s way because of the spiritual power within; therefore, each family member also would be able to have healing behaviors. In other words, all family members fall on a continuum between hurting and healing behaviors (Balswick, 35).
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ReplyDeleteNiche building refers to the tendency for a person to look for and develop passions and strengths in areas that match with his genetically influenced personality (Krueger and Johnson, 2008, p 300). Over time, a person is reinforced for doing activities that he or she is good at, thus increasing the likelyhood that that person will continue the activity, creating a niche. For example, a person who has been born with a unique ability to hear and repeat musical tones may end up playing the piano. Finding that he is good at piano, he continues to play and improve, creating a musical niche.
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According to Krueger and Johnson (2008), the most common types of interactive genetic effects are gene-environment interactions (where ones environment changes the effect that ones genes has on the person ) and gene environment correlations (where ones genes affect ones environment, thus having an effect on the gene’s effect). For example, some children may have a specific type of gene that is expressed more only when they are raised in possitive, nurturing environments. This gene may have less effect on that child if he is not raised in a healthy, possitive environement.
3.
The Balswicks’ model of family relationships revolves around a constant interaction of intamacy, empowering, grace, and commitment. Balswick and Balswick (2007) state that sin can interupt this healthy cycle at any of these points (p. 21), creating strained relationships that are marked by failure, dissapointment, and betrail (p. 32).
1. Niche building is when a person seeks out, creates, or ends up in an environment that interacts well with their personality (Krueger and Johnson, p. 300). This relates to the nature/nurture debate because it is good evidence that both are important and play a role in an individual's development. For example, if a person is born with a disposition towards shyness (nature), then she may seek out or create environments for herself where she feels most comfortable in her shyness (nurture). Thus, her disposition towards shyness increases because of the environment she is in.
ReplyDelete2. The most common type of interactive genetic effects is the interaction between the environment and genetics (Krueger and Johnson, p. 298). For example, a girl may have a disposition towards disordered eating, but she is raised in a family where her parents choose to empower her rather than control her, where she is taught that beauty comes from within not from how she looks, and where she is taught that her self-worth is found in who she is as a daughter of Christ rather than what she accomplishes.
3. One way in which our sin impacts our family relationships is through conditional love. For example, if a husband and wife's relationship is built on conditional love, they will only believe their marriage is fulfilling when they get as much out of the relationship as they give (Balswick and Balswick, 1999, p. 25). This marriage is lacking the aspect of grace in which the spouses give to each other unselfishly without expecting anything in return, and they find this fulfilling.
1)What does niche building refer to in the context our nature/nurture discussion? Hypothesize an example of niche building.
ReplyDeleteNiche building refers to the process of finding one's place in society based upon the "reinforcement of the characteristics that first brought the person to those experiences" (see powerpoint slide, pg. 8). Krueger and Johnson refer to Niche building in thier article when they state that "people gravitate towards environments that meet their psychological needs and avoid environments that do not" (293). For example, a 7 year old child who is consistently showered with verbal praise for her gregarious personality and extraverted behavior is found 20 years later as a television hostess with a strong audience, due to her engaging persona.
2) According to Krueger and Johnson, what type of interactive genetic effects are most common? Hypothesize your own example of an interactive genetic effect.
According to Krueger and Johnson, the types of interactive genetic effects that are most common involve scenarios that take place in a familial environment. These types of interactive effects include the following: religious upbringing and disinhibitory personality characteristics; parental bonding/family functioning/non-assualtive trauma and emotional stability; money and an individual's genetically influenced hapiness setpoint (297-298). A personal example: parents marital conflict during the wife's first tri-mester of pregnancy impacts the child's genetic mental/emotional/psychological well-being after birth. To bring this example full circle, this negative impact on the child plays a significant role in the pulling apart or bringing together of the parent's relationship as the child develops.
3) How does sin impact the Balswicks' model of family relationships?
Sin is the underlying perpetrator of dysfunctionality in the Balswick's model of relationships. The Balswick's refer to the following sins specifically as detractors from a healthy family environment: conditional love, self-centeredness, perfectionism, faultfinding, efforts to control others, unreliability, denial of feelings, and lack of communication (33). Sin is what stands in the way of healing and restoration, and it is what is overcome when an atmosphere of covenant, grace, empowerment and intimacy are implemented.
1) Niche building is an outcome of the interplay between nature and nurture. It is the seeking out, joining or creating of environmental conditions which work well with a person's characteristics. (Krueger & Johnson, 300). As an example, consider a person who always needs to be active. This person needs to be active so much that they find things to do even when there aren't things to do. They create a niche in their various relationships and environmental contexts by always being the person who worries about minute details that other people don't even concern themselves with. This need to be active is then reinforced by the people who are thankful for the minute details always being taken care of. This person has a built a niche in their environment so that their need to be active is always met.
ReplyDelete2) According to Krueger and Johnson, the most common interactive genetic effects are the ones that involve the environment, and these are especially powerful when the family is considered. (Krueger & Johnson, 298) For an example, lets say Bob has a genetic predisposition toward type 1 diabetes. If Bob is constantly taking stimulants (coffee) that affect his blood-glucose and insulin production, he will likely develop type 1 diabetes earlier than if he hadn't used such stimulants.
3) Sin impacts Balswick's model of family relationships by being the basic root of all stressful events. The family is naturally supposed to be a comforting and dynamic environment, but when sin comes, it can affect the entire environment negatively. (Balswick & Balswick, 304) While these stressful events are caused originally by sin in the family, they should be dealt with within the family through realizing grace and forgiveness. (Balswick & Balswick, 25-27) I used the 2nd edition of Balswick & Balswick because mine is yet to arrive in the mail, these pages will likely be off.
1. Within the nature/nurture debate, niche building is expressed when one fosters an environment that enhances or confirms traits already present within the individual (Kristeller & Johnson, 2008, p. 301). For example, if one in naturally a more reserved person, this person likely will not engage in boisterous social activities and find enjoyment in solitude.
ReplyDelete2. According to Krueger and Johnson, the most common type of interactive genetic effect occurs when environment and genetics meet in development (p. 299, Krueger & Johnson, 2008). An example of this expression may be seen when one has a genetic predisposition to schizophrenia, but is only expressed once enough environmental stressors such as stress trigger the expression of the mental illness.
3. The original plan God had for the family included no sin, as seen in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve. However, when sin entered the Garden, the perfect family structure was disrupted. A commonly seen effect of sin is in power struggles between husband and wife (p. 273, Balswick and Balswick, 1999). This is even seen in scripture as a result of the fall, "Your (Eve) desire shall be for your husband (Adam), and he will rule over you." This may suggest that the patriarchal model is a result of the Fall, much like other undesirable effects such as pestilence death.
Niche building is a term that refers to the process of a person's life experiences/situations reinforcing the characteristics that initially brought about these experiences. Niche building refers to the strengthening, reaffirming potential of a person's environment to shape the personalities that they were born with (Krueger and Johnson, 2008, p. 293-301). An example of this is the shyness and reclusive traits of people who were bullied during childhood. A child who is bullied is likely genetically predisposed to sensitivity, one of the very initial reasons for this bullying. However, the effects of this bullying will exacerbate this child's predisposition into a visible, lifelong personality trait.
ReplyDeleteThe most common type of interactive genetic effects are gene-environment interactions, which occur when genetic differences are moderated by environmental effects. (Krueger and Johnson, 2008, pg. 298). Genetic predispositions can be either subdued or exacerbated, depending on the environment in which a child was raised. A child who is predisposed to antisocial behavior, raised within an aggressive household, may become violent. This same child, raised in a loving household, might develop a more peaceable personality.
According to the Balswick's idea of God-centered family relationships, all members should express unconditional love, empowerment, intimacy and nearness to God. Sin distorts this model, leading to a model that is centered in the self and filled with shame. There is no longer grace, empowerment or even intimacy. Balswick and Balswick maintain that the God-centered model is a model through which we may return to family relations centered on God, rather than the self (2007, 33-35).
1. Niche Building, in the context of our nature/nurture discussion, refers to an individual’s search for or creation of an environment that reinforces their natural proclivities which ultimately result in the individual finding their niche (Krueger, p. 300-301). An example of this would be an introverted individual engaging in activities that allow them to be to themselves without much in-dept interactions with others.
ReplyDelete2. The most common type of interactive genetic effects are gene-environment interactions, in which genetic differences are affected by conditions in the environment (Krueger & Johnson, 2008, p.298). A person may be genetically predisposed to develop diabetes but whether diabetes is developed is dependent on the individual’s lifestyle choices (i.e. healthy eating, regular physical activity, regular doctor visits, etc.).
3. Balswick describes a family model that is based on biblical concepts of covenant (unconditional love), grace, empowerment, and intimacy. In sin, we risk failing to achieve the biblical concepts needed to create and maintain intimate relationships with member of our family. In turn, we may find ourselves giving conditional instead of unconditional love, shaming others for their faults instead of showing grace, seeking to have power over them instead of empowering them and becoming distant, not allow ourselves to be intimately involved with them (p. 34-35).
1) Niche building means that life experiences reinforce the characteristics that first brought the person to those experiences (Krueger and Johnson 301, Dr. King lecture notes 10/5/10). Individuals tend to create, seek out, or end up in environments that are correlated with their personality traits (300). For instance, a generally happy child is received well by others and easily develops the trait of extraversion (301).
ReplyDelete2) Gene-environment interactions happen when “genetic differences are moderated by environmental effects” (298). To describe gene-environment interactions, Krueger and Johnson discuss a particular study in which boys carrying the low-activity variant of the MAO-A gene were more likely to display antisocial behavior starting in adolescence but only if they had been exposed to parental maltreatment (299). I might suggest the possible example of an interactive genetic effect: children who are genetically disposed to psychosis and have a dysfunctional, possibly traumatic, upbringing might have an increased tendency to develop psychosis.
3) According to the Balswicks’ model of family relationships, sin adversely affects these relationships. Some examples of sin that can harm family relationships are: conditional love, self-centeredness, faultfinding, and lack of communication (33-35). The Balswicks state that, “All family members fall on a continuum between hurting and healing behaviors” (33). Sin impairs family members from being able to fully engage in reciprocal, “I-Thou” relationships.
Niche building refers to the way in which experiences reinforce the characteristics that first brought the person those life experiences in the first place (Krueger & Johnson, 301). An example of this would be a person who is naturally rated high in extroversion would be inclined to experience a rewarding experience at a party, that in turn causes that person to want more.
ReplyDeleteThe types of interactive genetic effects that are most common are the ones that are reinforced on a day-to- day basis (Krueger & Johnson, 299). The reason for this is because they reflect the environment in which they occur. An example of this would be neurotic behavior on the part of child who is growing up in an environment that reflects his behavior.
Sin impacts the Balswicks' model of family relationships by keeping a person from being a "reciprocating self" (Balswick et al, 68). Sin, while not in the vocabulary of most developmental psychologists (Balswick et al, 68) would refer to that which inserts relational distortion within the person and within the covenants which that person has entered. Sin is a relational term and keeps the person out of balance from either their relatedness or their particularity.
1)What does niche building refer to in the context our nature/nurture discussion? Hypothesize an example of niche building.
ReplyDeleteNiche building refers to the process by which "individuals create, seek-out, or end up in environments that are correlated with their personality traits". (Kreuger and Johnson, 2001, 300) In other words, individuals influence their immediate environment so that it will fit their genetically based traits. An example of this would be a person with a very high openness to experience selecting a job which allows them to travel often, and meet lots of new people.
2) According to Krueger and Johnson, what type of interactive genetic effects are most common? Hypothesize your own example of an interactive genetic effect.
The most common type of genetic effects are those that result from non-shared enviromental effects. This is surprising, but a shared environment effect like family actually does not “directly (act) to make children in the same family more similar than they would be by virtue of the extent to which they share
genes”, but instead “families influence the magnitude of genetic effects.” (Kreuger and Johnson, 2001, 298). In other words, family influences modulate the expression of genetic effects. Perhaps an example of that would be a very kinesthetic child. The family might encourage the child in certain directions, like dance or sports, or they might discourage the child, modulating the trait to be expressed somewhat less often.
3) How does sin impact the Balswicks' model of family relationships?
Sin is understood as the “failure to be in a right relationship” (Balswick et al., 2005, 67) Essentially, this means that because of the our fallen nature, we will often fail to develop reciprocating relationships with others, and thus our relationship will sometimes be characterized by exploitative or abusive aspects. Redemption from sin, therefore is not just pardon from sin, but restoration in relationship to God and others. (Balswick et al., 2005, 67)
1) Niche building refers to the process of incorporating oneself into an environment that has a tendency to reinforce your genetically disposed personality (Kruger and Johnson, 2008, p. 300). An example of niche building could be of an insecure boy who wants to try out for a basketball team, but isn’t sure he can make it and does not try. His unwillingness to try puts him in a non-athletic social group and excludes him from the team, which in turn, reinforces his feelings of inability to play.
ReplyDelete2) According to Krueger and Johnson (2008), the most common type of interactive genetic effect is one of moderation and influence on the effects of one’s genetic predispositions (p. 299). One example is that of a young child with a temperament prone to angry outbursts. This may cause the parents of the child to react in a stressful way, increasing how upset the child is. This recurring process would show the interactive effects of genes and environment.
3) Sin can enter into the Balswicks’ model of family relationships in each of the four components. In any of the four aspects of their family model (Covenant, Grace, Empowering, Intimacy), sin presents a constant challenge for the family members to fulfill these traits, and can result in the failure of any of them. One might argue that without sin, the component of “Grace” would not be needed.
1. In the context of the nature/nurture discussion, niche-building refers to people forming or ending up in groups that are based on their personality traits. These niches are an example of the reciprocal relationship between genetics and environment (Krueger & Johnson, 2008, p. 300). An example would be very talkative, social people becoming salesmen.
ReplyDelete2. According to Krueger and Johnson, the most common type of interactive genetic effects are gene-environment, which occur when genetic differences are moderated by environmental effects (2008). For example, someone may be predisposed to be a very calm, reserved person, but grew up seeing their parents yelling, so yells when frustrated. If they had grown up in a calmer setting, they may cope with frustration otherwise.
3. One way that sin impacts the Balswick's model is by the fact that there are going to be times when children disobey their parents or the rules. When conflict or sin happens, the Balswick's model points to grace as the ideal reaction, not law (Balswick & Balswick, 2007, p. 26), since it is the fundamental element of unconditional love.
1. According to Kruger and Johnson (2008), niche building is a "process in which individuals create, seek out,or end up in environments that are correlated with their personality traits." Their idea is that this helps to reinforce a specific personality trait making it difficult for there to be change in the personality. In other words, a person's genes help to shape a person's environment. One example of niche building can be seen in a person who has a genetic disposition for being agile, having good balance and being able to keep a rhythm. Because of these trait, this person may find that he/she is a good dancer and thus, takes up dancing as a main life activity.
ReplyDelete2.Kruger and Johnson (2008) suggest that gene environment interactions or correlations are the most common type of interactive genetic effects (298-299). These types of interactions "occur when genetic differences are moderated by environmental effects." To exemplify this, they cite a study done where it was found that anti social behavior was present in adolescents that carried the low activity variant of the MAO-A gene, "but only if they had been exposed to severe parental maltreatment." Another example of gene-environment interactions might be seen in a person who's genetic make up results in a more calm and reserved personality but who ends up with severe depression due to excessive peer rejection.
3. The Balswicks suggest that an ideal family relationship consists of a strong covenant, grace, empowerment and intimacy(Balswick & Balswick, p.20). They point out that this ideal is centered on the manner in which God sustains relationships with us- something that is impossible for humans to achieve with ease given our sinful and selfish nature. They specifically state that humans "are fallen creatures who will fail in all aspects of relationship with God and others (p.22). So, this ideal is often prevented from taking place when a family member is unwilling or unable (as is the case with most humans) to attempt or reciprocate these qualities (Balswick & Balswick, p.20-21).
1. Niche-building, also known as niche-picking, demonstrates a social aspect of the active interaction between nature and nurture. It refers to the tendency of individuals to seek out environments and experiences that are congruent with aspects of their personalities, which in turn reinforces those aspects (Krueger and Johnson, 2008, p. 300). For example, a naturally inquisitive child is studious and enrolls in advanced classes and forms study groups with other classmates. This causes a continued, or even possibly increased, high prioritization of academics, which reinforces the child's studious nature.
ReplyDelete2. The most common interactive genetic effect is that of the gene-environment interaction, in which the environment affects the expression of the genes (Krueger and Johnson, 2008, p. 298). An example of this would be: Both of Mary's parents possess the genes for eczema and have rashes often. Their doctor tells that that dry weather contributes to eczema outbreaks so they move from the desert to Seattle. When Mary is born, she is genetically predisposed to have eczema and genetic testing shows that she does have the gene for the skin disease. However, Mary has no eczema outbreaks during her lifetime because the climate does not permit her skin to become dry enough to break into a rash.
3. Within a self-centered relationship, the contractual nature of the relationship would produce shame in response to sin. However, within the God centered covenant relationship, sin would be met with grace and forgiveness. We would mutually forgive each other (forgive and be forgiven) as God has already forgiven us. (Balswick et al, 2005, p. 58)
1. Niche building is the process in which traits become more stable across time due to self-selected environments which favor such traits. Krueger and Johnson state that niche building is the process whereby "individuals create, seek out, or end up in environments that are correlated with their personality traits" (2008, p.300). The selected environment is not only indicative of certain personality traits, but serve to enforce and stabilize them as well. Niche building muddies the water of a clear nature / nurture bifurcation. For example, a "predisposed" aggressive personality will tend to self-select friends and venues which are aggressive or violent. These influences solidify the tendency of the person to see and interact with the world in aggressive and violent ways.
ReplyDelete2. According to Krueger and Johnson, it is "becoming increasingly clear that G x E and r (GE) are likely to be common and to be useful in understanding how nature and nurture transact" (Krueger & Johnson, 2008, p. 299). This means that gene expression is regulated by environmental influences. For example, a girl who has a genetic predisposition to schizophrenia may not end up schizophrenic if raised in a stable household. The same girl, if raised in a chaotic household, may end up having schizophrenia, as her environment aligned with her disposition.
3. Balswick states that a person does best (moves toward maturity and reciprocality) when their "personal relationships are characterized by a covenant (unconditional love) commitment rather than a conditional commitment" (2005, p.58). The "circle" of conditional love moves a person more into a live of sin and separation from the covenant relationship with God and others. The "center" of this circle of existence is the self, which perpetuates conditional love in cascading relationships.