Prior to beginning work on this discussion please read the Hurley (2013) Trait vs. Fate and Weaver, et al. (2004) Epigenetic Programming by Maternal Behavior articles and review the Webster “The Great Rat Mother Switcheroo” online article. The recommended resources for this week also provide more information on these topics. 



In this week’s required resources, we have learned that while our genes have a lot to say about who we are, environmental factors, particularly parental behavior, can shape the behavior of offspring on a biochemical level.  Using the assigned Hurley and Weaver et al. articles, briefly describe the research that has been done with rat mothers to illustrate this phenomenon. In your initial post of a minimum of 350 words, explain the implications of the research on parental behavior and environmental factors as they relate to human personality development. Describe how this research data might be used to explain unhealthy personality traits. Describe how the emerging field of epigenetics is impacting the longstanding nature vs nurture paradigm. Be sure to cite the Hurley and Weaver, et al. articles in your initial post.



Guided Response: Respond in a substantive way to at least two of your peers. Choose at least one point from your peer’s response that impacted your thinking on this subject, and explain why and how that particular comment either resonated with you or caused you to think in a different way. Compare the implications for human personality development identified by your peers to those you identified, and suggest alternative conclusions where appropriate. Challenge ideas with which you disagree and support your arguments.