Ecosystems Perspective
An ecological and systems perspective illustrates how individuals interact with various levels of their environment including their social systems which comprise of family, groups, communities and society (Chenoweth & McAuliffe, 2015 & Norton, 2011).
The objective of an eco-systematic approach is to create change across the five environmental levels: Micro, Meso, Exo, Macro, and Chrono, so an individual can ‘fit’ and adapt to their surroundings (Bronfenbrenner, 1979; Hobbs et.al, 2011, Norton, 2011). A map of these systems in regards to Cheryl’s connections is illustrated in Appendix B using Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological map (1979). This theory also portrays the challenges and issues that may occur if an individual is
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She can do this by possibly expanding her connections from her meso system (references here too please), such as those whom she works with, or those from her local church which she attends weekly. Although it is important for Cheryl to have more support systems as they can potentially help her in her situation and possibly take care of Jasmine and Kylie when she is absent, Cheryl has to concentrate on strengthening her interpersonal relationships with her daughters as there is tension and conflict. This is backed up from the case notes that were recorded during the interviewing process, in which there is a strain in the relationship between Cheryl and Jasmine. The ecosystems approach can be adapted to Cheryl’s situation well as there is a theme of a non- blaming focus and a ‘here and now’. In other words, we can focus on improving the relationships between Cheryl and her levels of her ecosystem to help her relationship with her daughter and to help her general wellbeing and functioning (reference please). In terms of lack of it, for Cheryl this appears to be due to her environmental stressors of her responsibilities of a job, her daughters and possibly her mother, her breakup. For Jasmine, we cannot fully state what her lack of fit without making assumptions as we have not had a sessions with