Week 9 - Ecological Model: Systems and Well-Being
Ecological Systems
Microsystem:
The systems that interact with the individual
Family, School, Peers, Religious organisations, Workplace, Neighbourhood
Mesosystem:
Systems around the individual that interact with each other
Exosystem:
More abstract systems that govern the micro systems
Economic system, political system, education system, government, and religious institutions
Macrosystem:
Beliefs and values
Chronosystem:
Time dimension
Proximal Processes
The reciprocal interactions between the individual and the representatives from each external system
Multi-Systemic Therapy (MST)
Introduced to treat youth offending
Targeted towards at risk 12 - 17 year-olds.
Involves family, peers, school, and neighbourhood
Received a tailored treatment plan
Significantly reduce recidivism
Improves family function and reduces conflict
Considered to be cost-effective since it reduces need for out-of-home placement
MST Principles
Recognises problems within the broader context of the youth’s environment.
Focuses on positives and strengths
Promotes personal responsibility for behaviours
Present focused, action-oriented, and well defined.
Target sequences of behaviour
Ensures interventions are developmentally appropriate
Requires demonstrated commitment from family members
Continual evaluation from all MST team members
Empowers caregivers to address future problems independently
