2.3 Ecological systems theory (Bronfenbrenner)

Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory shows how teens are shaped by their surroundings. It looks at different levels of influence, from family to society, and how they all work together to affect a young person's growth.

This theory helps us understand why teens act the way they do. By looking at all the systems around them, we can see how things like family, friends, school, and culture all play a part in shaping who they become.

Understanding Ecological Systems Theory

Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory

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• Ecological Systems Theory developed by Urie Bronfenbrenner emphasizes dynamic interactions between individuals and their environments shaping human development
• Key components (nested systems) encompass microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem, macrosystem, and chronosystem (added later) representing different levels of environmental influence
• Bidirectional influences highlight reciprocal relationship where individual affects environment and environment affects individual creating complex developmental contexts

Influence of ecological systems on adolescents

• Microsystem comprises immediate environment with direct interactions (family, school, peers, neighborhood) significantly impacting adolescent's daily experiences and development
• Mesosystem connects microsystems (parent-teacher relationships, family-peer interactions) influencing adolescent outcomes through interplay of different contexts
• Exosystem includes indirect environmental influences (parent's workplace, local government, mass media) affecting adolescents without their direct participation
• Macrosystem encompasses broader cultural context (societal values, laws, customs, economic systems) shaping overall societal norms and expectations for adolescents

Chronosystem in adolescent development

• Chronosystem represents temporal dimension of development capturing changes over time in individual and environment
• Historical events and societal changes (technological advancements, economic shifts, cultural transformations) shape generational experiences and opportunities for adolescents
• Personal life events (family structure changes, school transitions, puberty) mark significant milestones in adolescent development influencing their trajectory

Applying Ecological Systems Theory

Application of ecological systems theory

• Holistic approach to development considers multiple levels of influence recognizing interconnectedness of systems for comprehensive understanding of adolescent experiences
• Identifying risk and protective factors:
  1. Microsystem: supportive family vs. peer pressure
  2. Mesosystem: school-family communication
  3. Exosystem: community resources
  4. Macrosystem: cultural attitudes towards education
• Interventions and support strategies target multiple systems simultaneously promoting positive interactions between systems for effective adolescent support
• Research applications include longitudinal studies capturing chronosystem effects and cross-cultural comparisons understanding macrosystem influences on adolescent development
• Policy implications involve developing comprehensive youth programs addressing systemic issues affecting adolescent development across multiple ecological levels