What characteristic refers to the influence of surroundings on a person?

The characteristic that refers to the influence of surroundings on a person is the environment. This concept encompasses various factors that exist around an individual, such as physical aspects (like climate and geography) and social elements (like culture and community). The environment plays a vital role in shaping behaviors, attitudes, and overall development because it includes everything from family dynamics and educational opportunities to peer groups and societal norms. These influences can significantly impact an individual's choices, personality, and mental health over time. While hereditary factors focus on genetic influences and personal history emphasizes individual experiences, it is the environment that encompasses the broader context of an individual's life and contributes to their development and worldview. Social influence, while significant, is just one component of the broader environmental context and specifically deals with the effects of society on individual behavior. Thus, the environment is the most comprehensive term that captures all of these influences.