what is Ecosystemic psychology

Ecosystemic psychology, also known as ecological psychology or ecological systems theory, is a branch of psychology that focuses on understanding human behavior and development in the context of complex ecological systems. It emphasizes the interplay between individuals and their environments, viewing individuals as embedded within multiple interconnected systems.

The central concept of ecosystemic psychology is that individuals cannot be understood in isolation but must be examined within the broader context of their interactions with various environmental systems. These systems can include the family, school, community, culture, and larger social and ecological factors.

The ecological systems theory, developed by Urie Bronfenbrenner, is a foundational framework in ecosystemic psychology. It proposes that individuals are influenced by multiple concentric systems, organized into different levels:

1. Microsystem: 

This level includes the immediate environments that directly interact with the individual, such as family, peers, and school. It focuses on the direct and face-to-face relationships and experiences that impact a person's development.

2. Mesosystem:

This level explores the connections and interactions between the different microsystems in an individual's life. For example, the relationship between a child's school and their family can influence their development.

3. Exosystem: 

This level includes the settings or institutions that indirectly affect individuals. These may include the workplace of a parent, the local community, or the mass media. Although individuals may not directly participate in these systems, they can still influence their experiences and development.

4. Macrosystem: 

This level refers to the broader cultural values, beliefs, and ideologies that shape the other systems. It encompasses the larger social and cultural contexts within which individuals live, including societal norms, laws, and cultural practices.

5. Chronosystem: 

This level recognizes the influence of time and the dynamic nature of development. It involves understanding how changes and transitions within the individual's life, as well as broader historical and societal events, impact their development.

Ecosystemic psychologists aim to understand how individuals and their environments interact, considering the bidirectional influences and reciprocal relationships between them. This approach emphasizes the importance of context and systems thinking in understanding human behavior, well-being, and development. It has applications in various areas, including clinical psychology, community psychology, and social policy.