Ecological Systems Theory (ecological + system_theory)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Do maternal stress and home environment mediate the relation between early income-to-need and 54-months attentional abilities?

INFANT AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT, Issue 5 2007
Janean E. Dilworth-Bart
Abstract Using Ecological Systems Theory and stage sequential modelling procedures for detecting mediation, this study examined how early developmental contexts impact preschoolers' performances on a measure of sustained attention and impulse control. Data from 1273 European-American and African-American participants in the NICHD Study of Early Child Care were used to identify the potential mediators of the relation between early household income-to-need (INR) and 54-month impulsivity and inattention. Exploratory analyses were also conducted to determine whether the relationships between early income, home environment, parenting stress, and the outcome variables differ for African-American versus European-American-American children. We found modest support for the study hypothesis that 36-month home environment quality mediated the INR/attention relationship. INR accounted for more home environment score variance and home environment accounted for more Impulsivity score variance for African-American children. Home environments were related to inattention in the European-American, but not African-American, group. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Addressing the Population Burden of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Problems: A Primary Care Model

CHILD AND ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH, Issue 1 2000
Peter L. Appleton
A model for primary care child and adolescent mental health (CAMH) services is presented, the overall goal of which is to reduce population burden of CAMH problems. The theoretical orientation of the model is based on ecological systems theories. Features of the model include: local population outcome measures; small area service focus; primary-care-based CAMH specialists; a locally comprehensive service framework based in primary care (schools and general practices); and an explicit process of community engagement. The model is illustrated by reference to a primary care CAMH service (currently the subject of a controlled trial) in Flintshire, North Wales. [source]


Examining the Lives of Navajo Native American Teenage Mothers in Context: A 12- to 15-Year Follow-Up

FAMILY RELATIONS, Issue 2 2009
Rochelle L. Dalla
In 1992 and 1995, data were collected from 29 Navajo, reservation-residing teenage mothers. In 2007, follow-up data from 69% (n= 20) of the original sample were collected. Intensive interviews, grounded in ecological systems theory (U. Bronfenbrenner, 1989), allowed for contextual examination of the women's developmental trajectories. Significant educational accomplishments and a strong work ethic (i.e., individual level) exemplified the majority of respondents. Relationships with families of origin and intimate partners (i.e., microsystems) and connections between these (i.e., mesosystems) promoted and challenged participants' optimal development and were significantly influenced by macrosystem factors (e.g., economic constraints, physical isolation). Implications for service provision and continued research are discussed. [source]


Identity processes and the positive youth development of African Americans: An explanatory framework

NEW DIRECTIONS FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, Issue 95 2002
Dena Phillips Swanson
This chapter presents Spencer's phenomenological variant of ecological systems theory, or PVEST (1995), as a conceptual framework for examining positive youth development. Contextual factors affecting racial and gender identity of African American youth are discussed, with the focus on the influence of schools and religious institutions. [source]