Discussion Spark: Biology Versus Environment
Culture is one of many key aspects of our environment that has been shown to deeply impact how we develop and change across the lifespan. For example, researchers set about to examine whether infant temperament varied across cultures. Rothbart & Bates (2006) found that many broad aspects of infant temperament are found across cultures, such as impulsivity, fear, and inhibitory control. However, differences based on infant culture did emerge. For example, researchers found that Chinese babies tended to be calmer, to console themselves more quickly, and to be comforted by an adult more easily than American babies. What accounts for these differences?
You begin this by considering the universality of developmental change and growth, a topic you revisit in this Discussion.
Post your opinion about the following:
What aspects of social and emotional development unfold universally for people across the globe, and what aspects of social and emotional development do you think are influenced by one's environment and surrounding culture?
The response should include a reference list. Double-space, using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.