What Makes Us Who We Are?

As child psychiatrists it is our job to identify factors that influence the behaviors seen in front of us. Often the question is asked, are these factors primarily due to nature or nurture? Is someone born a “bad kid” or are there environmental exposures that lead to less than ideal behaviors. Factors such as racism, poverty, bullying, social isolation, and even where we grow up could play a part in the behaviors seen. This is one of the most rewarding, but at times can be one of the most frustratin g parts of our job as child psychiatrists.
Source: Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry - Category: Psychiatry Authors: Source Type: research