THE INFLUENCE OF THE ENVIRONMENT ON PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT

Development

Development is the process by which a living organism or something else progresses and advances within a time system, becoming more mature and effective. For humans, development encompasses progress in physical, mental, emotional and social domains. For example, children growing taller, improving their learning skills and achieving emotional maturity are all examples of development. At the same time, social or technological development refers to a society or field becoming more efficient and advanced over time.

Before the emergence of lifespan developmental psychology, many researchers studying human development focused primarily on the early years of life. From a biological perspective, infancy and childhood were seen as the “spring of life,” periods of continuous growth and maturation that ended with early adulthood. Adulthood, old age and death were then viewed as phases of gradual decline. Psychologists regarded infancy and childhood as formative years during which an individual’s personality is shaped and stabilized. For instance, Freud believed that most psychological developmental events occur by age five and that human development is completed by the end of adolescence. Others have also subscribed to this view.

Environment has a significant influence on the formation of our personality, and this influence is a lifelong process. Family, friends, society, culture, education and media such as factors deeply affect individuals’ values, beliefs and behaviors. However, it is essential not to forget that personality development is not limited to environmental factors. The individual’s own internal traits and choices are also vital components of this process. Consciously recognizing and wisely utilizing the factors in our environment contributes to healthy and balanced personality development.

Personality and the Development of Personality

Personality is a concept that encompasses all of a person’s interests, attitudes, abilities, manner of speech, physical appearance and ways of adapting to their environment. In this sense, personality can be evaluated as a consistent pattern of interaction between the individual and their internal and external surroundings, distinguishing them from others (Cüceloğlu, 2004).

For healthy personality development, physiological and psychosocial needs must be met appropriately and in a timely manner from the moment a baby is born. Failure to meet these needs renders the child tense and unsettled, thereby hindering healthy personality development. Therefore, the attitudes of mothers and fathers toward their children during childhood acquire great significance (Sezer, 2010). As the child grows, environmental factors begin to change and expand; while the influence of the family diminishes, the impact of other variables such as friend environment, school, teacher, culture and social building increases.

The Influence of the Environment on Personality

Our personality is shaped by both innate characteristics and our environment. Our environment includes many factors, from our family and friends to the society we live in and cultural norms, all of which play a significant role in the formation of personality. As a social entity, an individual is deeply affected by interactions within their surroundings.

Family and Early Childhood Experiences

The most prominent period during which the environment influences personality is childhood. The family is the individual’s first social environment, and the experiences gained there lay the foundation of personality. A loving and supportive family environment fosters a child’s self-esteem and trust sense, while a negative family structure can lead to anxiety, insecurity and lack of self-confidence. Relationships established with family members also play a crucial role in the development of emotional intelligence and social skills.

Peers and the Social Environment

During adolescence, peers have a major influence on an individual’s personality. Adolescence is a period of intense identity exploration, and the attitudes of peer groups during this time can determine how an individual perceives themselves and relates to others. The peer environment shapes an individual’s self-confidence, values and even their approach to conforming to social norms. Positive and supportive friendships can contribute to healthy personality development, while toxic relationships can negatively affect personality.

Society and Culture

The cultural norms of the society in which we live are another important environmental factor shaping personality. The values, beliefs and expectations of society influence personal preferences and behaviors. For example, in a society where individualism is emphasized, people may place greater importance on their own identity and goals. In a collectivist society, group interests and social responsibilities may be more prominent. Such cultural differences create diversity in personality traits and exert different influences on personality development.

Educational and Work Environments

School and professional life play a significant place in shaping personality. Education not only imparts knowledge and skills but also helps develop social skills and row problem-solving abilities. Challenges encountered at school or in the workplace, interpersonal relationships and interactions with society contribute to the formation of an individual’s character and personality traits. Especially skills such as leadership, empathy and cooperation are learned and developed in these environments.

The Role of Media

In today’s world, media has become a powerful factor influencing personality development. Television, the internet, social media and similar platforms are reshaping how individuals relate to society. Media can have both positive and negative effects on personality. Positively, it enables individuals to explore diverse cultures and lifestyles, while negatively, it can promote idealized standards of beauty and success that distort personality development in harmful ways.