Understanding Human Behavior Within the Ecological Systems Perspective
Lifespan Development and the Ecological Systems Theory
The discussion this week will focus on understanding human behavior within the ecological systems perspective, how systems influence one another, and the application of the strengths perspective within the field of human services.
Please respond to the following:
Define the ecological systems perspective and describe the four main levels that were discussed in the textbook.
Discuss at least one strength (protective factor) that you have in each of the four levels of the ecological systems perspective. Why is it important to identify strengths in your own environment and in your client's?
Discuss how risk and protective factors affect developmental outcomes.
Unit 1 Discussion: Human Behavior
Student’s Name
College/University
Course
Professor’s Name
Due Date
The ecological systems perspective holds that human beings can only be understood within the context of systems within which they reside. This theory functions as an archetype that offers an understanding of the reciprocal interactions between individuals and their social environment. The four levels or categories of systems necessary to social workers in conceptualizing individual and environmental transactions include microsystems, mesosystems, exo-systems, and macro-systems. Microsystems entail face-to-face interactions among individuals within a system such as a society. Meso-systems comprise the interconnection of personal contexts individuals rely on for their social lives. Exo-systems are the larger societal institutions that impact individuals’ systems, such as