Psy 211 Written Assignment 1/ Interactions Among Various Systems

Psychology 211

1/8/2012

Written Assignment 1

1. Discuss interactions among various systems that might affect an individual's development. (Chapter 1)

The Dynamic-Systems theory and the Bioecological Systems are just two of the various systems that might affect an individual’s development. The dynamic-systems theory is a view of human development as always changing. Life is the product of ongoing interaction between the physical and emotional being and between the person and every aspect of his or her environment, including the family and society. Flux is constant and each change affects all the others. The dynamic-systems theory stresses the fluctuations and transitions. As our text states, “the dynamic-systems theory may be a new ‘grand theory of development’”, (Page 5). The bioecological system specifies four types of nested environmental systems (Mesosystem, Exosystem, Macrosystem, and Chronosystem), with directional influences within the systems. The Mesosystem refers to relations between microsystems and connections between contexts (the relationship of family experiences to school experiences). For example, children whose parents have rejected them may have difficulty developing positive relations with teachers. The Exosystem involves links between a social setting in which the person does not have an active role and the individual’s immediate context. For example, if a mother brings home her work experiences to her child or children; this will influence the child’s home experience. The Macrosystem describes the culture in which individuals choose to live. A group of people share a common identity, set of values, and heritage. Cultural contexts include developing and industrialized countries, poverty, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. The Macrosystem does evolve over time. Finally, the Chronosystem is the patterning of environmental events and transitions over the course of life. For example, divorce, a...