Heredity and hormones can influence peoples behavior. Heredity is when traits are giving to the children from the parents. Scientists have tried to identify the genes that may cause such behaviors like, depression, shyness, anxiety and aggression. They have done studies involving twins to try and correlate genetics with behavior. The researchers in those cases weren’t looking for a particular gene but were looking to see if their were similarities within families. (Morris and Maisto,2005) Hormones are the chemicals that are released within the body and affect other parts such as the endocrine system. The also contribute to a persons behavior by determining their moods. The endocrine system consists of glands like the thyroid gland, the adrenal gland, the pituitary glands as well as the testes and ovaries. The function of the thyroid gland is to take iodine, which is found in many foods and convert it into thyroxine (T4) and Trrodothyronine (T3) which are thyroid hormones. Thyroids are the only cells that the body has that can absorb iodine. These cells combine iodine with and the amino acid tyrosine to make T3 and T4, which are then released into the blood stream and are transported throughout the body. Every cell in the body depends on the hormones produced by the thyroid to control the rate of their metabolism. When too much of these hormones are secreted the person is said to have a hyper-thyroid condition. This condition affects a persons behavior because it can cause him/her to become agitated or over-excited. In males the testes secrete the testosterone hormone which has been link to aggressive behavior in men. Women exhibit aggressive behavior could also have small quantities of the hormone which fluctuates. When they are at a higher level their behavior becomes more aggressive. A persons behavior may also be affected by the production of insulin which is produced by the pancreas. When not enough insulin is produced it creates a condition called hypoglycemia which can make a person seem confused, tired even irritable. (Morris and Maisto, 2005)

References

Morris, C. and Maisto, A. (2005). Psychology: An Introduction (12th Ed.). Prentice Hall.