Researcher ORCID Identifier
0000-0002-4230-5393
Document Type
Book Chapter
Program
Psychology (Pitzer)
Publication Date
2024
Keywords
Character virtues, behavioral epigenetics, developmental systems, nature-nurture, gene-environment interactions
Abstract
Current understandings of epigenetics offer some insights into the developmental origins of character virtues. Research on epigenetics has demonstrated that phenotypes depend on both genomic and non-genomic information for their development, and such is true for the development of character virtues as well. This conclusion offers significant support for the Developmental Systems perspective. Although researchers have not yet studied the role of molecular epigenetic factors in the development of character, the field of behavioral epigenetics has revealed how such factors contribute to psychological and other behavioral phenotypes in general. In particular, behavioral epigenetics research can highlight the plasticity of human behavioral phenotypes in the face of experiential influences. Coupled with empirical data demonstrating how youth development programs foster the emergence of character virtues, these insights support the conclusion that such programs are valuable tools for society. Ultimately, research on behavioral epigenetics encourages optimism about the possibility of positively influencing the development of character virtues in young people around the world.
Terms of Use & License Information
DOI
10.4324/9781003251248-4
Recommended Citation
Moore, D. S. (2024). Epigenetics and character virtue development. In M. D. Matthews & R. M. Lerner (Eds.), The Routledge international handbook of multidisciplinary perspectives on character development, Vol. 1: Conceptualizing and defining character (pp. 13 – 33). Routledge.
Included in
Developmental Psychology Commons, Other Genetics and Genomics Commons, Personality and Social Contexts Commons
