Ecological Systems Theory Flashcards

1
Q

Ecological systems theory is concerned with the interaction and interdependence of individuals with their surrounding what?

A

Systems

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2
Q

T/F - Ecological systems theory takes a holistic view by assessing how individuals affect and are affected by such physical, social, political, and cultural systems.

A

true

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3
Q

T/F - Ecological systems theory is NOT a theoretical basis for facilitating social evolution and individual growth and development by providing a framework to assess individuals in their environment and determine the most appropriate system in which to intervene.

A

false

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4
Q

T/F - Origins of systems theory, social theory, and bioecological systems theory

A

False systems theory, ecological theory, and bioecological systems theory

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5
Q

Ecological systems theory was developed from systems theory which aims to explore the interactions and interdependence of organisms with their environment

A

False - it holds that the whole of a system is greater than the sum of its parts where the elements of the system do not function in isolation but, rather, interact and depend on each other to form a functional whole.

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6
Q

Which theory holds that the whole system is not complete without the presence / participation of each of the elements.

systems theory, ecological theory, or bioecological systems theory

A

systems theory

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7
Q

Which theory works to assess individuals in the context of ecological systems with which they interact, such as their family, and institutions (e.g., school and workplace), AND the extent to which the transactions within their environment are helpful or unhelpful

systems theory, ecological theory, or bioecological systems theory

A

ecological theory

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8
Q

Which theory includes the microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem, macrosystem, and chronosystem?

systems theory, ecological theory, or bioecological systems theory

A

bioecological systems theory

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9
Q

T/F - With bioecological systems theory the client is able to affect the systems with which they interact; thus, the influence is bidirectional; the interaction within and between the layers are important to explore.

A

true

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10
Q

T/F - Understanding these various systems does not help the social worker take a holistic view of a client

A

False

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11
Q

Which system consists of the interaction between two or more systems that cause an indirect influence on another system.

Microsystem, Mesosystem, Exosystem, Macrosystem, Chronosystem

A

Exosystem

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12
Q

Which system consists of the larger social system that can comprise decisions, events, and contingencies in which the child has no influence.

Microsystem, Mesosystem, Exosystem, Macrosystem, Chronosystem

A

Exosystem

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13
Q

Which system consists of larger systems that influence a child’s life, such as policies and legislation, cultural values, customs, and beliefs, entitlement services and programs, and resources.

Microsystem, Mesosystem, Exosystem, Macrosystem, Chronosystem

A

Macrosystem

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14
Q

Which system is closest to the child and consists of relationships / interactions that the child has with their immediate surroundings, such as parents.

Microsystem, Mesosystem, Exosystem, Macrosystem, Chronosystem

A

Microsystem

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15
Q

Which system provides linkage between the systems in the microsystem, i.e. the connection between the parents and the school, between the school and the neighborhood

Microsystem, Mesosystem, Exosystem, Macrosystem, Chronosystem

A

Mesosystem

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16
Q

Which system is dimensions of time or the events that have occurred in the child’s life. including external events, such as natural disasters, terrorist attacks, or a parent’s death AND internal events, such as biological, physiological, or psychological changes within the child.

A

Chronosystem

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17
Q

T/F - assessing the client’s immediate environment and how the other layers of the environment interact and affect each other is not part of Ecological systems theory

A

False

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18
Q

T/F - The aim in applying ecological systems theory is to assess only one system in a client’s life that can influence the extent to which the client can grow & develop.

A

False - assess ALL the systems in a client’s life

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19
Q

determining the most appropriate system in which to intervene in order to alleviate distress and/or dysfunction in the client’s life and provide avenues and opportunities for positive growth and development occurs after INTAKE OR ASSESSMENT?

A

Assessment

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20
Q

Which environment looks at exchanges and interactions with friends, family, social and community networks, and the political, legal, and economic structures

Cultural environments, Social environments, Physical environments

A

Social environments

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21
Q

Which environment includes the built world, such as buildings and structures, as well as the natural world

Cultural environments, Social environments, Physical environments

A

Physical environments

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22
Q

Which environment includes the values, beliefs, norms, and customs that shape individuals’ values, perspectives, and expectations.

Cultural environments, Social environments, Physical environments

A

Cultural environments

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23
Q

T/F - ecological systems theory views the relationships & interactions between the individuals & their environments are static

A

False - they evolve over time and are influenced by historical and cultural influences.

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24
Q

T/F - 5 Assumptions of Ecological Systems Theory include:

The whole system is greater than the sum of its parts.

The parts of a system are interconnected and interdependent.

A system is either directly or indirectly affected by other systems.

All systems have boundaries and rules.

Systems strive for a goodness-of-fit with their environment.

A

True

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25
Q

T/F - The assumption - The whole system is greater than the sum of its parts means intervening into one element of the system without fully assessing the whole system will stop the presenting problem

A

False - without fully assessing the whole system could continue the presenting problem and further reduce the goodness-of-fit of the client.

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26
Q

1 A system is either directly or indirectly affected by other systems

A change / movement in one element (or subsystem) will cause a change / movement in another element is

OR

A

The parts of a system are interconnected and interdependent.

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27
Q

1 A system is either directly or indirectly affected by other systems

An individual will respond to the environment and the environment will respond to the individual is 1 or 2

OR

A

A system is either directly or indirectly affected by other systems.

For example, a family system is directly or indirectly affected by other systems, such as the school, childcare facility, workplace

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28
Q

1 All systems have boundaries and rules

Open systems (are receptive to change and development) and closed systems (are more resistant to outside influences and remain static) are part of

OR

A

All systems have boundaries and rules.

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29
Q

1 All systems have boundaries and rules

systems can be permeable at different points is

OR

A

All systems have boundaries and rules - systems can be permeable at different points, which depends on the extent to which the system is open or closed.

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30
Q

T/F - the extent to which a system can adapt to the environment is key to experiencing goodness-of-fit and in minimizing stress or dysfunction.

A

true

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31
Q

Is it intervention or assessment that allows the SW to examine if other systems (beyond the client) in the client’s environment are contributing to the presenting problem.

A

assessment

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32
Q

T/F - An ecomap is not helpful in an assessment

A

False

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33
Q

T/F - ecomap does not begin with a genogram of the client system

A

false

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34
Q

What can you do during the assessment process to visually see the systems in the client’s life and the extent to which the relationships & interactions with the various systems and the environment is helping or hindering the client’s goodness-of-fit.

A

create an ecomap

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35
Q

Does assessment or intervention involve targeting the individual client system or other systems in which the client system interacts

A

intervention

36
Q

T/F - the SW uses a specific intervention method(s) to achieve the aim of the work with the client system. Ex. the SW may use motivational interviewing and advocacy

A

true

37
Q

ecological systems theory encourages the SW to select WHAT? that will enhance the good-ness-of-fit between the client system and the environment.

A

Intervention(s)

38
Q

Which attempts to describe people’s embeddedness in their environments

Ecological systems theory or Solution-focused Theory

A

Ecological systems theory

39
Q

Are we completely dependent on our social and physical world and the resources it provides

A

yes

40
Q

Is it Ecological Systems Theory, Strengths-Based Theory, or Solution-Focused Theory that is a relational perspective

A

Ecological Systems Theory

41
Q

The person and the environment are not responsible for shaping each other

A

False - they are reciprocal to shaping each other

Change in one system causes a change in another (i.e. putting pregnant woman on methodone removes her from social system)

42
Q

T/F - Attempting to understand human problems at the individual or environmental level in the absence of the other is considered reductionistic (reducing things down too far into individual components)

A

true

43
Q

Critics argue that ecological systems theory is so meta theoretical that it is difficult to WHAT?

A

operationalize in practice

44
Q

T/F - This theory is not open-ended (multiple avenues of exploration) and an increased holistic understanding of individuals lives

A

False - it is open-endedness

45
Q

Ecological systems theory must be grounded in core social work WHAT to avoid the promotion of adaptation to oppression and injustice

A

values

46
Q

Is it Systems theory or Ecological theory that highlights the connection of people and the embeddedness in various social systems

A

Systems theory

47
Q

As individuals are we truly independent? Because why?

A

No - we are always influencing and being influenced by our life circumstances

48
Q

Is it Systems theory or Ecological theory is concerned with the adaptive fit of organisms and their environments – we have to be cautious in “adapting” given that oppression is evident in society.

A

Ecological theory

49
Q

What type of influence do people or groups in a system share?

A

reciprocal influence

50
Q

T/F - From General Systems Theory - causes are considered to be linear

A

False - circular

51
Q

Systems possess structure, consisting of predictable patterns of behaviors and WHAT.

A

boundaries

52
Q

T/F - Boundaries are not arbitrary.

A

false - For example, families have boundaries that limit the amount of information shared outside of that system

53
Q

T/F - In terms of boundaries: open systems rigidly restrict the flow of information

A

false - open systems share information freely whereas closed systems

54
Q

Why do you need to understand the boundaries and rules in the system?

A

because one family member may have a closed system and another has a very open system so you have to navigate this

EX. They may be open about their neighbourhood and closed about their sexual orientation (example of mike from class)

55
Q

T/F - excessive closedness = loss of identity and other risks

A

false

Excessive openness = loss of identity and other risks and excessive closedness = deprivation

56
Q

T/F - Because of the reciprocal impacts of different systems – different interventions have similar impacts

A

true

57
Q

Central Concepts from Ecological Theory is an emphasis on “goodness of fit”

THE PERSON consists of:
o	Biology
o	Creativity and choice
o	Beliefs
o	Strengths and competencies
o	Roles 

What else is missing

A

Needs (what do we need to know about what is their need that must be met)

58
Q

Most people seek help because they have some type of WHAT? that is not being adequately met

A

need

59
Q

T/F - Needs synonymous with capabilities

A

true

60
Q

Two foundational needs: affiliation and practical reason

Which is - access to meaningful social roles and relationships

and which is - the opportunity to be self-reflective, respecting one’s values and purpose

A

o Affiliational needs: access to meaningful social roles and relationships
o Practical reason: the opportunity to be self-reflective, respecting one’s values and purpose

61
Q

Four basic universal human needs: Affiliation, A?, Health, Dignity/respect

A

Autonomy

62
Q

T/F - our environments have a considerable impact on us, so we have no power

A

false - we are shaping the environments in the same way they are shaping us - we choose our paths

63
Q

What B? is a habitual way of interpreting our lives – and impacts how we feel

A

Beliefs

64
Q

T/F - beliefs that shape our feelings and behaviors – must be spoken

A

false - beliefs aren’t always spoken

65
Q

What belief is when clients can be helped to have hope and optimism, their motivation is enhanced

Sustaining Beliefs or Constraining Beliefs

A

Sustaining Beliefs

66
Q

T/F - Self-esteem: the belief that we have value and that our lives are meaningful is related to hope?

A

true

67
Q

What is saying “My situation is hopeless”

Sustaining Beliefs or Constraining Beliefs

A

Constraining Beliefs

  • Beliefs about how we view others as trustworthy or not
  • If you see others as untrustworthy: may be isolated and fearful
68
Q

Ecological theorist differentiate environmental conditions that have an immediate impact on an individual from those that are less directly influential

1 - Micro
2 - Macro
3 - Proximal
4 - Distal

Put them in order (further away) (close) (small) (larger and broader)

A
o	Micro (small)
o	Macro (larger and broader)
o	Proximal (close)
o	Distal (further away)
69
Q

Which of the 5 Systems includes - institutions and groups that most immediately and directly impact an individual including: family, school, religious institutions, neighborhood, and peers.

A

Microsystem

70
Q

Which of the 5 Systems includes - Interconnections between the microsystems, ie. Your family may be connected to their neighborhood or culture within the neighborhood ie a family member may draw strength from those who share their cultural background in the neighborhood

A

• Mesosystem

71
Q

Which of the 5 Systems includes - links between a social setting in which the individual does not have an active role and the individual’s immediate context.

For example, a parent’s or child’s experience at home may be influenced by the other parent’s experiences at work. The parent might receive a promotion that requires more travel, which might increase conflict with the other parent and change patterns of interaction with the child.

ex. If you have a bad day at work, then it impacts the family because you are quiet and don’t want to make dinner ex

A

Exosystem

72
Q

Which of the 5 Systems includes - the culture in which individuals live. Cultural contexts include developing and industrialized countries, socioeconomic status, poverty, and ethnicity. Members of a cultural group share a common identity, heritage, and values.

A

Macrosystem

73
Q

Which of the 5 Systems includes - The patterning of environmental events and transitions over the life course. For example, divorces are one transition. Researchers have found that the negative effects of divorce on children often peak in the first year after the divorce. By two years after the divorce, family interaction is less chaotic and more stable.

A

Chronosystem

74
Q

“Ecological Niche” is the social and physical WHAT that we occupies

A

social and physical space we occupies

75
Q

Two important aspects that determine our fit with our space or environment are WHAT

A

demands and resources

76
Q

events or situations in our lives that we have to attend to / have to adapt to are demands or resources

A

demands

77
Q

T/ F - Resources: resources are needed to take care of ourselves and meet our daily demands and include tools, skills and help from others

A

true

78
Q

T/F - Resources include:

o Emotional supports
o Information supports
o Instrumental supports (connection to peer organizations, transporation)
o Affiliational supports – the roles in which we feel competent and valued

A

true

79
Q

We have to do WHAT with the weight of demands and the resources that are available to us

A

balance

80
Q

If the weight of demands is greater than the resources we have, we will experience WHAT

A

distress

81
Q

We draw on our strengths and competencies to access WHAT

A

resources

82
Q

T/F - Understanding client’s perceptions of demands assist us in “starting where the client is at

A

true

83
Q

What tool can we use to broaden the frame of the person and the problem to a more holistic and comprehensive understanding

A

ecomap

84
Q

WHAT outlines some of the systems in an individual’s life and also diagrams the relationship between those systems

A

ecomap

85
Q

T/F - Ecomaps do not evolve

A

false - are only a snapshot in time for a client and can evolve

86
Q

Goodness of Fit will see demands and resources are in WHAT

A

Balance