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Ecological Model and My Own Development

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The Ecological Model and My Own Development
David O Cook
Liberty University
Counseling 620
April 12, 2015

Abstract
According to McWhirter (2013), “Bronfenbrenner’s (1994) ecological model rests on the thesis that humans develop and grow within the context of a number of reciprocal systems” (p. 21). The theory presents that adolescence’s development is effected by everything in their surroundings. This paper will address the different systems that divide the ecological systems theory and how they have affected my own development through my life.

Microsystem
The first level discussed in the ecological theory will be the microsystem. This is the part that is closest around the person and is especially important to development because there is direct contact to the person (McWhirter et al, 2013). Example of the system would be a home environment, work place and school. This microsystem would include family members, other peers and direct caregivers. These relationships that are in this system can be viewed as reciprocal in direction. The interactions in the relationships are made up of reactions on both sides. These actions of the person are influenced by how they are treated in the relationship. This could be looked at as the most influential system in the theory.
The microsystem in my own development would consist mostly of my family in the home environment. In my early life I was around four older brothers and two older sisters and two loving parents. I attended school with the same kids from first grade through graduation. Communication was paramount in creating a mutual support for the relationships with the other children and both parents. I believe being raised in a spiritual home had a firm foundation where as to draw support from my peer when there were trials in this system. (1 Peter 1:6-7 (ESV) In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perish though it is tested by fire may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Mesosystem
The next level discussed in the theory would be the mesosystem. This level of the ecological theory consists of specific relations with the different parts of the microsystem (McWhirter et al, 2013). This would be where a person or individual in the system does not act independently but would be connected in some way and would have definite influence on one another. The interconnection would have an indirect impact on the person.
One aspect of my own mesosystem would have been the connection between my parents and my teachers when I was growing up. My parents were not as involved in my school activities as they were with my older brothers and sisters. They were part of the parent teacher’s conference and often volunteered to help on field trips. I can say now that it was a positive impact on my development however it could also have been a negative influence would have been in opposition to each other.
Exosystem
The next level of the ecological theory would be the exosystem. This part of the theory refers to the indirect involvement with the person from participants that make decisions that do not involve the person but can affect their development (McWhirter et al, 2013). The person would have no participation or involvement with the decision. The influence from this system would be seen when a parent would receive an increase in their salary or promotion or on the negative side, if they lose their job and how it would change the developing adolescence.
One part of my exosystem would have been my father’s time in the Air Force and when he retired when I was young and we had to move from California back to South Carolina. This change put the family from the city back to a farm setting. This affected me as the older peers changed and my anxiety level went down and that had a significant impact on my development. Anxiety can be contagious. When there is anxiety it can attract or elicit reactions from those around them (Clinton & Straub, 2010). I had no part in the decision to move but it had impact on me. When there was a negative influence later in development it seemed to have more of a lasting effect than if it was earlier in their life (Bolognini M., pp. 241). Because this happened early in my life the impact was not as significant as that of my peers. My resiliency was high because of this and the support of my family.
Macrosystem
The next level of the ecological system to be discussed will be the macrosystem. This part of the theory embraces the culture from which the person lives and encompasses all of the other systems that will affect the person (McWhirter et al, 2013). This part would include the economical background, the culture and belief system and the spiritual belief systems from which the person is in. This brings to mind the difference in a child that comes from a third world economy and a child in a middle class economy in the United States. An important characteristic of my macrosystem would be the fact that my father was a military person and instilled in my development the military value system. The early military community that we were involved in had a large influence on my development.
In Conclusion
The ecological systems proposed by Bronfenbrenner, states that human development is based on certain systems that are intertwined in our lives that affect how we develop. (McWhirter et al, 2013). We all are influenced by different environmental systems. The ecological theory presented by Bronfenbrenner helps us understand our different behaviors when we are in the presence of family, peers, school or work.

Reference
Bolognini M, Plancherel B, Bettschart W, Halfon O. J Adolesc. 1996 Jun;19 (3):233-45.
Clinton, T., & Straub, J. (2010). The Quick Reference Guide to Counseling Teenagers. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books.
McWhirter, J., McWhirter, B., McWhirter, E., & McWhirter, R. (2013). At Risk Youth: A Comprehensive Response for Counselors, Teachers, Psychologists, and Human Service Professionals

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