PSY FPX 6020 Assessment 1 Bronfenbrenner’s Theory on Development

Student Name

Capella University

PSY FPX 6020 Advocacy in Child and Adolescent Development

Prof. Name

Date

What is Bronfenbrenner’s Theory?

Understanding the developmental stages of children and adolescents and their susceptibility to environmental influences is crucial for developmental psychologists. This lecture explores Bronfenbrenner’s theoretical framework, delving into its application in personal life and examining the pressures and challenges encountered by teenagers. Additionally, the strengths and weaknesses of Bronfenbrenner’s theory in understanding children and teenagers are discussed.

Bioecological Theory in Practice

Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological theory provides a framework for assessing community resilience to natural disasters, prioritizing interventions, and evaluating their outcomes (Boon et al., 2012). Boon et al. (2012) emphasize the systematic examination of resilience concepts, highlighting resilience as both a trait and a process. The theory facilitates the modeling and measurement of resilience across various scales, supporting resilience studies (Boon et al., 2012). Shelton (2018) underscores the macro-level components of the ecosystem, emphasizing commonalities across settings within broader environments, described as “society” or “culture.” Additionally, a chronological system accounts for environmental changes in a child’s life, such as divorce or relocation without parents.

Understanding Bronfenbrenner’s Theory

Bronfenbrenner’s theory suggests that the learning environment consists of interconnected systems and subsystems that influence adolescents’ development (Lau & Ng, 2014). The environmental subsystems include the microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem, macrosystem, and chronosystem. The microsystem, which emphasizes the individual’s lived experience, plays a pivotal role (Lau & Ng, 2014). Bronfenbrenner (1979) highlights that meaningful elements within the environment significantly impact individuals. Interactions between various environments, including those beyond the immediate family, shape a child’s development (Shelton, 2018).

Applications of Bronfenbrenner’s Theory Today

Bronfenbrenner’s theory is relevant for understanding and addressing contemporary challenges faced by children and adolescents. Issues such as bullying, peer victimization, and the current pandemic significantly affect their lives. Psychologists utilize Bronfenbrenner’s ecological theory to assess mental, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral health, particularly amidst crises (Eriksson et al., 2018). The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbates mental health concerns, affecting family dynamics and children’s well-being (Prime et al., 2020). Family systems theory highlights the interdependence of family members, where stresses on one member affect the entire family (Prime et al., 2020).

Conclusion

Bronfenbrenner’s theory provides insights into navigating contemporary challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The proximal processes emphasized by the theory, including changes in caregiver-child interactions, underscore its relevance. The multifaceted impact of the pandemic on families and children highlights the need for ecological perspectives in understanding and addressing these challenges.

References

Boon, H. J., Cottrell, A., King, D., Stevenson, R. B., & Millar, J. (2012). Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological theory for modeling community resilience to natural disasters. Natural Hazards, 60(2), 381-408.

PSY FPX 6020 Assessment 1 Bronfenbrenner’s Theory on Development

Eriksson, M., Ghazinour, M., & Hammarstrom, A. (2018). Different Uses Of Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Theory In Public Mental Health Research: What Is Their Value For Guiding Public Mental Health Policy And Practice? Social Theory & Health, 414-433.

Lau, J., & Ng, K. (2014). Conceptualizing the Counseling Training Environment Using Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Theory. International Journal for Advancement of Counseling, 36(4), 423-439.

Prime, H., Wade, M., & Brown, D. T. (2020). Risk and resilience in family well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. American Psychologist, 75(5), 631-643.