Final answer:
Personality development is influenced by both biological factors, such as temperament, and environmental factors, including culture, family, and peers. Evolutionary psychology contributes to understanding universal traits and individual differences. The interplay between nature and nurture emphasizes that both inherited traits and social experiences shape our personalities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The factors that shape our personality development include both biological and environmental determinants. Temperament is often seen as biological, affecting personality early in life. Notable researchers Thomas and Chess categorized baby temperaments into easy, difficult, or slow to warm up, acknowledging that while these categories seem inborn, environmental factors like family interactions can modify their expression over time.
Evolutionary psychologists examine universal personality traits and individual differences, suggesting these variations are adaptive and evolved to provide survival and reproductive advantages. In terms of environmental determinants, culture is crucial, encompassing all the beliefs, customs, and traditions of a society, transmitted through language and behavior, impacting personality formation.
Furthermore, interaction with family, peers, and one's social class contribute significantly to personality. The influence of nurture in conjunction with nature is exemplified in the nature versus nurture debate, supporting the idea that social interaction plays a vital role in shaping who we are.