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An Ecological Process Model of Systems Change
Author(s) -
Peirson Leslea J.,
Boydell Katherine M.,
Ferguson H. Bruce,
Ferris Lorraine E.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
american journal of community psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.113
H-Index - 112
eISSN - 1573-2770
pISSN - 0091-0562
DOI - 10.1007/s10464-010-9405-y
Subject(s) - health psychology , salient , ecological systems theory , process (computing) , action (physics) , ecological psychology , field (mathematics) , perspective (graphical) , systems thinking , social ecological model , systems science , community psychology , management science , ecology , psychology , sociology , computer science , social psychology , social science , public health , engineering , medicine , physics , nursing , mathematics , quantum mechanics , artificial intelligence , pure mathematics , biology , operating system
In June 2007 the American Journal of Community Psychology published a special issue focused on theories, methods and interventions for systems change which included calls from the editors and authors for theoretical advancement in this field. We propose a conceptual model of systems change that integrates familiar and fundamental community psychology principles (succession, interdependence, cycling of resources, adaptation) and accentuates a process orientation. To situate our framework we offer a definition of systems change and a brief review of the ecological perspective and principles. The Ecological Process Model of Systems Change is depicted, described and applied to a case example of policy driven systems level change in publicly funded social programs. We conclude by identifying salient implications for thinking and action which flow from the Model.