143k views
0 votes
Agency within the self emanates primarily from: a. innate psychological needs b. external environmental factors

c. societal expectations and norms
d. genetic predispositions

User Natarajan
by
7.4k points

1 Answer

5 votes

Final answer:

Agency within the self is influenced by innate psychological needs, external environmental factors, societal expectations and norms, and genetic predispositions. Hence the correct option is (d).

Step-by-step explanation:

The question about where agency within the self originates touches upon concepts within psychology related to motivation and personality development. Agency refers to the capacity of individuals to act independently and make their own free choices. One’s sense of agency is influenced by various factors, including innate psychological needs, external environmental factors, societal expectations and norms, and genetic predispositions.

Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs suggests that motivations can range from basic biological needs to higher-level aspirations like self-actualization. Similarly, psychologists such as Bandura have emphasized the role of self-efficacy in motivating behavior, providing the belief in one's own abilities as key to pursuing challenges. Humanistic psychologists like Maslow and Rogers have highlighted the drive towards self-actualization, emphasizing individual autonomy and free will in the process of becoming the best one can be.

While some aspects of personality and behavior may be biologically in-born, such as particular genetic predispositions, the role of the environment and social interaction are also vital in shaping the self. Learning from environmental factors and cultural pressures can have significant impacts on social behavior and personality. Thus, while agency may have some roots in genetics, it is also significantly shaped by social and environmental contexts.

User Jason Mitchell
by
7.8k points