Final answer:
The nature vs. nurture debate in psychology posits that both genetic and environmental factors contribute to a person's development. A difficult temperament in a child suggests a biological basis influencing parenting, but environmental factors also affect how these traits manifest. The behavior of the neighbor's teenage daughter might be influenced by her natural temperament and how her environment shapes her reactions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question at hand explores one of the fundamental aspects of developmental psychology, known as the nature vs. nurture debate. This debate considers whether a person's development is predominantly determined by genetics and biology (nature) or by environment and cultural factors (nurture). For example, a child's difficult temperament, which is linked to more negative emotions and challenges in adapting to change, suggests a biological basis, potentially influencing the parenting they receive. Studies such as those by Thomas and Chess suggest that such temperaments are evident early in life, indicating a genetic influence. However, environmental factors and maturation also play significant roles in how these traits are expressed over time.
It's essential to consider that while some behaviors may seem genetically programmed, others are the result of environmental interactions, as seen in cases like that of Genie, whose neglect led to significant developmental deficits. This highlights how both biological and environmental factors intertwine in the complex process of human development.
About the neighbor's teenage daughter mentioned in the question, the challenging behaviors could be a manifestation of her inherent temperament, impacting and shaping the way her parent interacts with her. So, in addressing the question of whether a child's behavior is a result of nature or nurture, the answer is not straightforward but likely a combination of both influences.