Moving on from old dichotomies: Beyond nature-nurture towards a lifeline perspective

Abstract

Background: Genetics is increasingly being used to explain human behaviours, with growing enthusiasm for what could be termed 'genetic determinism', which an ultra-Darwinist approach seeks to apply to all aspects of the human condition. Aims: To consider the validity of the claims concerning the genetics of human behaviour and psychological distress. Method: A critical review of the current assumptions about the relative contributions of genetics and the environment. Results and conclusions: Organisms are in constant interaction with their environment: That is, organisms select environments just as environments select organisms. Like organisms, environments evolve and are homeodynamic rather than homeostatic; both 'genome' and 'envirome' are abstractions from this continuous dialectic. Declaration of interest: None.