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Identify ways in which the environment can both nurture and thwart (help and hinder) mental ability.

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Hi

Here we will review some environmental factors that can affect mental ability of organisms either positively or negatively.

1) Poor Parental Care

If there will be less parental care towards the child care at the time of pregnancy like a mother who is smoking or drinking, a mother who is malnourished or who is taking certain drugs. It will pose the health of child at serious stake and the child will have poor IQ. The situation is vice versa when the mother will be healthy it will effect on child by improving his cognitive abilities and IQ level.

2) Malnutrition

Research and different studies have shown that malnourishment pose hazardous risks on the mental development of a child. A diet that lacks important minerals and nutrients like Calcium and phosphorus can badly affect the child’s mental health. It is also reported that well-nourished children can have an IQ that is 20 points higher than a child who is malnourished.

3) Healthy environment containing fewer toxins

It has been reported that if a person is living in a healthy environment with less pollutants and toxic elements around, he /she has better chances to have more peace of mind and healthy mind. This is because a polluted environment is a source of several toxins like dust, lead paints and lead pipes that can severely damage the brain and neurological system.

4) Stressful family environment

Latest studies suggest that the family system and environment also affects the mental behavior of a child. For example, if a child comes from a family that are living happily with each other and appreciate each other’s existence, there are chances that the child will have healthy brain because of all the positive thoughts and brought up. However, a child from broken family or a family that practices domestic violence is more likely to have less intellect and brain health.

Hope it help!

User Patryk Obara
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