One of the most commonly proposed determinants of personality is that of genetics. Most theorists look at this topic with the question of whether genes influence personality development, in other words saying that yes they do play a role or no they do not. A more effective way in approaching this topic would be to ask to what extent and in what ways they influence personality. All personality traits can not be placed into the two proposed categories; genetically

determined or socially/environmentally learned. Some can be placed in one, some may be placed in the other, and others sit on the fine line between the two. For example intelligence is predominantly genetically inherited, but if a child is placed in a home with minimal encouragement to achieve and effectively use this trait, it most likely will not develop and become extinct. Another determining factor in the development of certain personality traits is the degree of ones nature to subject to authority and to mold to societal norms. Although this degree may be genetically determined or brought about by particular environmental stimuli, it greatly influences the development of many other personality traits. Such as if a person is artistically talented, but their parents, peers or influential acquaintances submit a negative view towards their talent and this person does not have a strong will for independence or originality, they will most likely subject themselves to what they believe to be normal or positive. Generally speaking most personality traits are genetically determined, but either enhanced or diminished as a result of environmental stimuli or societal norms. Any given person could be genetically predetermined to become a maladaptive person (or any other type of person), but if put in a positive environment where such behavior is frowned upon, the trait may not be expressed. Also a person in one culture with a similar genetic makeup as a person in another may not develop the same genetically determined traits. There are many sociocultural factors that influence the development of the predetermined traits and characteristics of any given human. Overall genetics override ones environment, but the environment, culture and societal norms hold a strong influence on the development of the predetermined traits.

Personality is a complex subject with several different interpretations of it. This paper only demonstrates one paradigm of personality theory. Many paradigms have always and still do exist coincidently. A theory or paradigm is merely an organized interpretation of observations by a single person or a group of people. The goals of a theory should be to describe what people are like, why they are like that, the similarities between all humans and individual differences between them. A combination of all these aspects can provide for an effective attempt in describing and defining such a complicated and complex part of our everyday lives.

Another highly common determinant discussed by theorists is the significance of past, present and future. Childhood, the past, plays a vital role in the development of ones personality, but not an irreversible one. There are many aspects of childhood that play roles in the development, such as environment, socioeconomic level, family size, ethnicity, religion, culture, education and interactions with

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