Personal Application of the Ecological Model
The Ecological Model offers a way to conceptualize child and adolescent development, based on a series of interrelated systems with bi-directional influence. These bi-directional influences either decrease or increase the likelihood of risk and risk category behaviors. Discuss your own childhood and adolescence, based on your understanding of the Ecological Model and the influence of family interaction patterns, noted in Chapter 3 ( McWhirter, J. J., McWhirter, B. T., McWhirter, E. H., & McWhirter, R. J. (2017). At-risk youth: A comprehensive response for counselors, teachers, psychologists, and human service professionals (6th ed.). Stamford, CT: Cengage. ISBN: 9781305670389).
How has the pattern of early interactions within the family influenced developmental outcomes along the risk continuum, either reducing risk or increasing the likelihood of at-risk behaviors?