One of the most well-known systems theories in psychology is Bronfenbrenner’s ecological model. The model consists of several interrelated systems, beginning with the individual at the center then expanding to include the individual’s immediate family and friends (microsystem); extended family, school, and work (exosystem); and culture and society as a whole (macrosystem). This model can be used as a framework to understand human development and behavior and to design effective interventions to address many different psychological and societal issues. Consider how this model might be applied to better understand the development and behaviors of a transgender teenager. Suppose the teenager, who now calls herself Shelly, has recently informed her parents and close friends that she would like to officially transition to being a girl. Initially she is overjoyed that her parents and close friends are supportive (microsystem). Then, after attending school for a week and going to a family reunion dressed as a girl, Shelly is met with harsh criticisms from some of her peers and teachers at school as well as her grandparents (exosystem). In fact, she overhears her parents and grandparents arguing about her transition and is immediately overcome by guilt and despair. Finally, while she is encouraged by positive media regarding a celebrity who recently transitioned, she is saddened to learn that the larger public opinion and recent government policies are discriminatory to transgendered persons (macrosystem). Therefore, due to her desire to become accepted at school, by her grandparents, and by society at large, she decides to stop her transition even though it causes her great distress to do so. This example illustrates the complex and competing pressures among the systems of Bronfenbrenner’s model, which can affect the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of the individual at the center of the model. In this discussion, you will consider how the model applies to the competing pressures in your own life. To Prepare Read the article, General systems theory: Its past and potential . Pay particular attention to how von Bertalanffy’s general system theory originated and evolved and how the author of the article characterizes the terms, “systems,” “structures,” and “relations.” Review Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Model, located in this week’s learning resources. Focus on the meaning and interrelationships among the microsystem, exosystem, and macrosystem from a child’s perspective. Consider how these systems would be generalized to apply to an adult. Using Bronfenbrenner’s model, identify two out of three systems (microsystem, exosystem, macrosystem) and their settings (school, work, family gatherings, neighborhood, country, etc.). Think about how demands and expectations in one setting might impact your ability to meet demands and expectations in another setting. By Day 3 Post a response to the following: Identify the two systems you chose and des.

1. One of the most well-known systems theories in psychology is
Bronfenbrenner’s ecological model. The model consists of
several interrelated systems, beginning with the individual at
the center then expanding to include the individual’s immediate
family and friends (microsystem); extended family, school, and
work (exosystem); and culture and society as a whole
(macrosystem). This model can be used as a framework to
understand human development and behavior and to design
effective interventions to address many different psychological
and societal issues.
Consider how this model might be applied to better understand
the development and behaviors of a transgender teenager.
Suppose the teenager, who now calls herself Shelly, has
recently informed her parents and close friends that she would
like to officially transition to being a girl. Initially she is
overjoyed that her parents and close friends are supportive
(microsystem). Then, after attending school for a week and
going to a family reunion dressed as a girl, Shelly is met with
harsh criticisms from some of her peers and teachers at school
as well as her grandparents (exosystem). In fact, she overhears
her parents and grandparents arguing about her transition and is
immediately overcome by guilt and despair. Finally, while she
is encouraged by positive media regarding a celebrity who
recently transitioned, she is saddened to learn that the larger
public opinion and recent government policies are
discriminatory to transgendered persons (macrosystem).
Therefore, due to her desire to become accepted at school, by
her grandparents, and by society at large, she decides to stop
her transition even though it causes her great distress to do so.
This example illustrates the complex and competing pressures
among the systems of Bronfenbrenner’s model, which can affect
the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of the individual at the
center of the model. In this discussion, you will consider how

2. the model applies to the competing pressures in your own life.
To Prepare
Read the article,
General systems theory: Its past and potential
. Pay particular attention to how von Bertalanffy’s general
system theory originated and evolved and how the author of the
article characterizes the terms, “systems,” “structures,” and
“relations.”
Review Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Model, located in this
week’s learning resources. Focus on the meaning and
interrelationships among the microsystem, exosystem, and
macrosystem from a child’s perspective. Consider how these
systems would be generalized to apply to an adult.
Using Bronfenbrenner’s model, identify two out of three
systems (microsystem, exosystem, macrosystem) and their
settings (school, work, family gatherings, neighborhood,
country, etc.). Think about how demands and expectations in
one setting might impact your ability to meet demands and
expectations in another setting.
By Day 3
Post
a response to the following:
Identify the two systems you chose and describe settings within
each system that influence your life and behavior/activity. Then
explain how demands and expectations in one setting could
impact the ability to meet demands and expectations in another
setting. Be specific.

3. Note:
Support your postings and responses with specific references to
the Learning Resources and any additional sources you identify
using both in-text citations and references. It is strongly
recommended that you include proper APA format and citations.