The Impact of Ecological Models on Individuals Development - Essay Example

Final Paper Final Paper Ecological theories improve one’s understanding of the relationship between individual and environmental factors. The theories also act as links between the developmental theories that concentrate on small settings and anthropological models that concentrate on large settings. Based on the ecological theory, it is necessary to look into the ecological system in order to understand individual development. It is noted that ecological theory consists of five socially structured subsystems that guide an individual’s development. Each system is dependent on one’s background and provides many choices and sources of development. All the ecological systems have two-directional impacts. For instance, the influences can be away from a person or towards a person. Consequently, it is important to discuss different ecological systems and their contribution to my personal development. Microsystem The microsystem significantly influenced my growth and progress especially during my tender years. The associations and interactions that I experienced with my close environment such as family, learning institutions, community and daycare surroundings contributed to my growth. The microsystem contributed to my initial psychomotor and relationship skills. During this stage, the two-directional impacts were powerful and greatly affected me as a child. I believe that my relationship with the external environment had a great effect on the internal structures. The microsystem including family, learning institutions, community allowed me to understand the world. I believe that the microsystem was one of my friendly learning environments because it acted as a reference point to understand the world. The system does not only offer foundation for the development of children, but also creates cherished memories (Sallis, Owen & Fisher, 2008). The powerful relationships between my family and me during this stage are currently evident in our ability to rely and support each other. I believe that the caring relationship between my parents and I greatly contributed in creating a strong character. This model has played an important role in my own development. For instance, the friendly behavior of my parents has empowered me to understand the value of love. My parents respect every individual and always want to ensure that they are not offended. I have also grown up to develop such values because I am sympathetic and caring to other people experiencing different problems. In addition, developing in the American culture has provided a powerful impetus on the need for independence. The society values independence and self-development. It also tries to ensure that every individual has access to freedom and independence. I have also developed a profound respect for studies based on my parent’s socio-economic values. Mesosystem The influence of the mesosystem in my life is evident in the ability to work with two or more systems. For example, the mesosystem signifies the relationship between parents and my surroundings such as religious settings, schools and social platforms. A viable example of the influence of the system is the relationship between my parents and educators at school. This means that they are part of my immediate associations (Bronfenbrenner, 1994). I remember an occasion when the two associations came together in a parents and teachers meeting. This type of system has greatly influenced my personal development as a student. Through the meetings held between my parents and the teachers, I have received interventions both in school and at home. During one occasion, I had to explain my strategic plan to both my parents and teachers in an academic exposure session. My parents contributed by highlighting the role that they could play in improving my educational process. The teachers also highlighted the things that would improve my performance. Chronosystem The chronosystem has affected my life in a distinct manner. For example, I have gone through numerous transition periods that have changed my approach towards life. For example, I have changed schools on numerous occasions. During such times, it was necessary to make new friends. It was also crucial to adjust to the surroundings in order to enjoy the different experiences. The Chronosytem has also allowed me to engage in social networking processes such as meeting friends online due to the need to lessen any future transitional processes. I also associate with a bereavement service provider. I have witnessed many people lose their loved ones and undergo a transition period. During such times, it is necessary to formulate a care plan to guide them through the trying times. It is crucial to acknowledge that elements within the chronosystem can be either internal or external. An examination of my life indicates that I have made psychological advancements that have made me mentally prepared for various events. The advancements are considered as the internal system. However, events such as predicting a parent’s illness are categorized under external system. They are difficult to address and test one’s psychological growth (Bolker, 2008). Exosystem The term exosystem defines a larger social unit that does not recognize the direct contributions of a child. Some of structures include the society-based resources of a family and various activities that parents always have at their workplace. Even though the children at this level might not experience direct involvement, they often feel the positive and negative effects. However, I believe that some exosystems directly influence me. These include schools and peers, parents workplaces, family’s social networks, neighborhood communities, neighborhood politics and companies (Bronfenbrenner, 1994). The exosystems have at times been motivating or degrading. For example, neighborhood politics, especially for the congressional representative has greatly affected the neighborhood because the streets are always crowded during such times. Consequently, one faces difficulties moving about. Another challenge from the exosystem is the numerous business trips that parents have to attend. During such a time, an individual lacks parental attention. Macrosystem The influence of the macrosystem on my life is evident in cultural values and traditions. It is important to acknowledge general patterns of beliefs and institution that describe my society or the people I relate with. It is important to consider that my society ranks people based on existing and imaginary criteria such as the social classes, tribal groups or religious associations. For example, high-income earners live in a different and unique location with amenities and resources. However, the low-income earners live in residential areas with fewer amenities. As one grows up, it is easy to notice that religious affiliations also affect one’s relationships because the corresponding values are entrenched in the society. The macrosystem influences what, how and where we have our association. For instance, distinguished plans like family planning and routine vaccinations may positively affect a young mother in terms of health care, vitamins and other health resources. It is important to remember that traditions, customs and beliefs offer protection from the ills in the society (Sallis, Owen & Fisher, 2008). The macrosystem plays an important role in controlling the challenges, drawbacks and achievements in my life. Even though, my parents have constantly advised and encouraged me, I have learned many lessons at school, community, family and cultural events. The cultural and family events exposed me to beliefs and practices that have strengthened my position in the society. I am tolerant, culturally sensitive and a better global citizen. At the school, level I learned how to positively relate with other students from different backgrounds. As a child, it is always not easy to adapt to various changes, but after growing up, I quickly learned how to relate with peers. Conclusion The ecological models significantly influence an individual’s development from childhood to old age. The ecological model influences people differently depending on the environment, ethnic background, culture and socioeconomic status. Many sociologists have also stated that the development of a child is mainly influenced by parenting style. Since my childhood, ecological systems have played different important roles in my development. Consequently, I can view the world in a unique way. References Bolker, B. M. (2008). Ecological models and data in R. Princeton University Press. Bronfenbrenner, U. (1994). Ecological models of human development. Readings on the development of children, 2, 37-43. Sallis, J. F., Owen, N., & Fisher, E. B. (2008). Ecological models of health behavior. Health behavior and health education: Theory, research, and practice, 4, 465-486. Read More