PSY FPX 6020 Assessment 1

What is Bronfenbrenner’s Theory? 

It is vital for developmental psychologists to understand the stages of child and adolescent development and their vulnerability to environmental factors. The lecture is an in-depth discussion of Bronfenbrenner’s theory of development and its use in personal life and is an investigation of the pressures and dilemmas of teenagers. Additionally, the strengths and weaknesses of Bronfenbrenner’s theory in comprehending children and teenagers are addressed.

Bioecological Theory in Practice

Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological theory offers a guideline to quantify community disaster resilience, determine priorities for intervention, and assess outcomes (Boon et al., 2012). Boon et al. (2012) highlight the systematic review of resilience theory, keeping in view resilience as a quality and a process. The theory allows for modeling and quantification of resilience at various levels and enables research on resilience (Boon et al., 2012). Shelton (2018) emphasizes the macro-level aspects of the environment, where emphasis is placed on similarity across settings in broader environments, which are labeled as “society” or “culture.” Additionally, a temporal system holds space for environmental changes in a child’s life, such as divorce or moving away from parents.

PSY FPX 6020 Assessment 1: Bronfenbrenner’s Theory on Development

 Understanding Bronfenbrenner’s Theory

Bronfenbrenner’s theory presumes the learning environment as a set of interconnected subsystems and systems that influence adolescents’ development (Lau & Ng, 2014).

The subsystems of the environment include the microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem, macrosystem, and chronosystem. The microsystem, with attention to the experienced life of the individual, is a vital part (Lau & Ng, 2014). Bronfenbrenner (1979) highlights that the influential components in the environment directly impact individuals. The exchanges between various environments, such as those outside the child’s immediate family, shape a child’s growth (Shelton, 2018).

Applications of Bronfenbrenner’s Theory Today 

Bronfenbrenner’s theory can be used to explain and address current problems of adolescents and children. Present issues such as bullying, victimization, and the recent pandemic have a profound effect on their lives. Ecological theory by Bronfenbrenner is used by psychologists to assess mental, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral functioning, particularly under times of distress (Eriksson et al., 2018). COVID-19 deepens mental illnesses, affecting the functioning of family and the health of children (Prime et al., 2020). Family systems theory highlights the interdependence of family members on one another, wherein the distress of one member affects the entire family (Prime et al., 2020). 

Conclusion

Bronfenbrenner’s theory offers lessons to transcend the challenges of today, the COVID-19 pandemic included. The application of proximal processes that constitute the centerpiece of the theory and that include caregiver-child relations emphasizes the implications of the theory. The interdisciplinary approach to how the pandemic hit families and children emphasizes the calls for ecological orientation in interpreting and responding to these challenges.

PSY FPX 6020 Assessment 1 Bronfenbrenner’s Theory on Development  

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. Shelton, L. (2018). The Bronfenbrenner primer: A guide to develecology. ProQuest Ebook Central.