What aspect of personality is largely believed to be genetic according to the concept of temperament?

The concept of temperament refers to the biologically based individual differences in emotional and behavioral responses that are often evident from early infancy. Temperament is recognized as an innate aspect of personality that is influenced by genetic factors. Affective responses to external situations are largely considered to be a core component of temperament, encompassing the emotional reactions individuals have to various stimuli in their environment.

Individuals with different temperamental traits can demonstrate varying intensities in their emotional expressions or responses to stress, indicating a genetic predisposition towards certain affective patterns. This notion is supported by research in developmental psychology, which has highlighted that temperament emerges early in life and remains relatively stable across the lifespan.

In contrast, cognitive processing styles, social adaptability, and behavioral responses, while they can certainly be influenced by temperament, tend to be more shaped by environmental factors, social experiences, and individual learning. Therefore, the focus on affective responses emphasizes the inherent, biological underpinnings of temperament as it pertains to emotional functioning and reaction to circumstances.