The social ecological model is a framework for understanding how human behavior is shaped not just by personal choices, but by layers of influence that extend outward from the individual to relationships, organizations, communities, and broad societal forces.
THE SOCIAL ECOLOGICAL MODEL the life course (Lund et al., 2018). These factors (Table 1) have been articulated through various frameworks – child development theories, social ecological models and studies of children’s resilience in the face of adversity – all of which emphasize that children, adolescents and families bring their own ...
The social ecological model, or socio-ecological model (SEM), was developed to help in understanding human development. It is meant to be used as an aid to organize the relationships between multiple levels of social systems and interactions between beings and the environment in the system.
Although these frameworks vary, many reflect principles of the social-ecological model, a simple yet seminal public health framework [6]. This model underscores how characteristics of the environment influence individual health behavior and outcomes.
Social ecological models recognize indi-viduals as embedded within larger social systems and describe the interactive characteristics of individuals and environments that underlie health outcomes (Sallis, Owen, & Fisher, 2008; Stokols, 1992).
At its core, the social-ecological model communicates that behavior doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Instead, it’s the result of a combination of factors ranging from personal beliefs to broader socio-economic structures.
The Social Ecological and Behavioral Ecological Models also view behaviors as the product of the relationship between an organization and its environment and may share this limitation.
Individuals can use the Social Ecological Model as a lens through which to view their own overall health and wellbeing and to provide perspective when it comes to the choices and experiences of others.