Can behavior be inherited?

Scientists divide behavior into two main groups: inherited behavior and learned behavior. Some behaviors are a blend of both categories. Learned behaviors are things that we pick up on from caregivers, parents, and others through both instruction and observation. We can also work to learn new behaviors through study and intention. Learned behaviors may be formed through different types of specific mechanisms and three of the more popular 

• Operant conditioning occurs when behaviors are either rewarded or punished, and thus the behavior is increased or decreased.
• Classical conditioning occurs when a neutral stimulus is paired with a stimulus that brings about an automatic response until eventually the neutral stimulus causes the response on its own. For example, pairing the ringing of a bell with the presentation of your dog’s food may cause the dog to learn to salivate at the sound of the bell, with or without the presentation of food.
• Social learning occurs when we observe and imitate others in our social environments.

Inherited behaviors are thought to be genetic. These are behaviors that are beneficial to survival and are thought to be encoded in genes. For example, swallowing is a behavior that most people are born knowing how to do. We may even think of it as ‘instinct’, meaning that its innate or born in. These are inherited behaviors.

While it’s thought that some behaviors are innate or inherited, and others are learned, exactly which behaviors are genetic and to what extent genes play a role is undetermined. Even when genes are influencing behavior, we are still being influenced by our environment and other factors that can shape behavior or change how a behavior presents. It’s extremely difficult to separate genetic effects from environmental influences in order to determine their direct impacts.

Perhaps an equally important question can be found in asking to what extent do we have control in shaping our own behavior or changing behavior when we want to. Behavior changes are often a topic of conversation. Self-help books, blog articles, and much more are aimed at supporting people in changing behaviors. Therapy is often sought when a person is wanting to make a change in how they’re handling a challenge in life or how they’re feeling.