Encyclopedia of Opinion
Question
Do childhood experiences determine behavior in later life?
Position‹3 of 3

Childhood experiences influences, but does not determine adult behavior

This position takes a middle view: childhood experiences influence adult behaviour without determining it. It argues that adverse early experiences and the quality of early parent-child relationships shape later personality and outcomes, yet leave room for choice rather than fixing one's fate.

Supporting arguments · 2

  1. Adverse childhood experiences affect adult personality traits
    Victims of maltreatment and neglect in their early years are likely to develop traits in adulthood that are greatly influenced by experiences during crucial development years.
  2. Early year parent-child relationships influence future academic performance
    The relationship that a parent develops with their child within their early years, and the environment in which the child grows up, has been shown to influence their academic development.