• About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe
  • Shop Merch
SWHELPER
  • Login
  • Home
  • Opinion
  • News
  • Politics
  • Education
  • Health
  • Mental Health
  • LGBTQ
  • Justice
No Result
View All Result
Post Jobs
Subscribe
  • Home
  • Opinion
  • News
  • Politics
  • Education
  • Health
  • Mental Health
  • LGBTQ
  • Justice
No Result
View All Result
SWHELPER
No Result
View All Result
ADVERTISEMENT
Home Education

Ecological Systems Theory and Practice: Systems and the Sociocybernetic Map

Dr. Michael WrightbyDr. Michael Wright
02/20/2014
in Education, Human Rights, Social Work
15
Ecological Systems Theory and Practice: Systems and the Sociocybernetic Map
3
SHARES
585
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Ecological systems theory and practice is part of an ongoing series, and this article will focus on systems and he sociocybernetic map. I will be discussing ecomaps, genograms, and critical events timelines. Bronfenbrenner was not the only person exploring the application of ecological systems theory thinking in 1979. Ann Hartman published a book demonstrating how an ecological approach could be used in family assessment. Her book introduced ecomaps to the assessment lexicon and tool chest.

Ecomap
X2604-E-06

Ecomaps are characterized by circles representing individuals and groups and linked in various ways. The linking of the circles provides an indication of the relationships between the systems. A solid line indicates a strong relationship. A dashed line indicates a tenuous or fragile relationship. A jagged line indicates a fractured or stressful relationship. Arrows, plus and minus signs can be used to represent energy flow between the systems.

Ecomaps are a good way to visually represent the client system, the influences on the client, and the energy flow to and from the client system. The worker may use the ecomap to organize the client’s systems to be reviewed in staffing. It may also be used to provide a visual aid when explaining assessment of the problem to the client.

Genogram

SampleGenogramWithoutEmotionalRelationshipsIn 1985, McGoldrick and Gerson introduced a new method for mapping the family system. This new system visualized the client in the context of other relatives including parents, grandparents, spouses, siblings, children, nephews, and nieces.

The genogram is not only concerned with the relationships among the systems, i.e. the lines connecting them representing relationship. It is also concerned with the health and well-being patterns represented in the individual persons included in the diagram. A thorough genogram will also include medical information including diagnoses.

Because of its inclusion of medical and relational data, the genogram can be used in medical health care settings as well as mental health care settings. Patterns of illness, including mental illness, failure to thrive, family complexity, adverse childhood experiences, substance abuse, and other trauma may be noted in the genogram. The Wikipedia article on genograms provides a useful visual demonstrating symbol usage as well as how the use of color expands the information potential of the genogram.

Adding the Critical Events Timeline

The concept of creating a timeline of events is not new. Perhaps the best known application within social work is Cournoyer’s (2010) explanation offered in his multi-edition text: Social Work Skills Workbook. The timeline provides a visual list of important events that have shaped the life of the client.

Cournoyer suggests two columns. The first column lists the age of the client when the event occurred. The second column lists the event. The age range typically extends from birth, beginning the chart, to the present age of the client.

The critical events timeline can provide a chronological representation of the events that have impacted the client. Timing is critically important in determining the impact of events on the development of the client. For example, childhood experiences have been shown to impact adult choice behavior (Felitti et al, 1998).

Expanding the Use of Mapping Tools

The tools presented, ecomap, genogram, and critical events timeline provide visual means to examine the influences on the client. Both the ecomap and genogram also provide a context for the client as system and the related systems. Yet, neither explains the context from the perspective of the client. This misses the opportunity to begin to clarify the opportunities, contracts, and negotiations that the client perceives—the basis of choice behavior.

Introducing the Sociocybernetic Map

The solution is to include elements of environmental practice in a mapping of systems, perception, and meaning over time. Imagine a combined ecomap/genogram distinguishing between “high influence” and “low influence” relationships completed multiple times corresponding with the ages on the critical events timeline. The point would be to identify the extent, enduring nature, and choice pressure of relationships based on membership, diffusion, relationship characteristics, and historical factors—the ability confirmed by an understanding of complex systems.

The best example is to consider relationships as chess boards. Each chess board represents the choice behavior matrix of individuals as they attempt to reach goals they have set for themselves. In order to understand the choice of the client, you will need to identify the choice options perceived by the client at a given time. A sociocybernetic map providing insight into the complex systems impacting the choice can provide a model of the chess boards, and possible moves, perceived by the client.

Bibliographic Notes

Cournoyer, B. (2010). Social Work Skills Workbook. Independence: Cengage Learning.

Felitti VJ, Anda RF, Nordenberg D, Williamson DF, Spitz AM, Edwards V, Koss MP, Marks JS.Relationship of childhood abuse and household dysfunction to many of the leading causes of death in adults: the adverse childhood experiences (ACE) study. American Journal of Preventive Medicine 1998;14:245–258.

Hartman, A. (1979). Finding families: An ecological approach to family assessment in adoption. Beverly Hills: Sage Publications.

Hartman, A. (1995). Diagrammatic assessment of family relationships. Families in Society: The Journal of Contemporary Human Services, 1 , 111-122.

McGoldrick, M. and Gerson, R. (1985). Genograms: In Family Assessment. New York: W. W. Norton.

[EST&P stands for Ecological Systems Theory and Practice. ]

Share this:

  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
Tags: Cengage LearningEcological Systems TheoryecomapFamilyGenogramNew YorkSage PublicationsSocial WorkSocial Work Skills Workbook
Previous Post

Interview with Dr. Allen Frances on the DSM 5

Next Post

Social Workers As Navigators To Help Consumers With Health Care Insurance Exchanges

Next Post
Social Workers As Navigators To Help Consumers With Health Care Insurance Exchanges

Social Workers As Navigators To Help Consumers With Health Care Insurance Exchanges

Please login to join discussion
ADVERTISEMENT

Featured Jobs

Part-Time Case Manager - RN or Social Worker in Boulder CO
Boulder, CO - United Health Group
Optum is a global organization that delivers care,...
Part-Time Case Manager - RN or Social Worker in Boulder CO
Boulder, CO - Optum
Optum is a global organization that delivers care,...
Licensed Independent Social Worker - Outpatient
Columbus, OH - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Manhattan, NY - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW, LPC, LMFT)
Milwaukee, WI - LifeStance Health
We are actively looking to hire talented therapist...
Practice Administrator - Oral Surgery
Watertown, MA - Oral & Facial Surgery Centers of Massachusetts
Practice Administrator - Oral SurgeryOn-site Pract...
Practice Administrator - Oral Surgery
Watertown, MA - Oral & Facial Surgery Centers of Massachusetts
Practice Administrator - Oral SurgeryOn-site Pract...
INTACT SERVICES SPECIALIST Job Details | State of Illinois
Bourbonnais, IL - State of Illinois
INTACT SERVICES SPECIALISTWe continually strive fo...
Educational Resources Coordinator
Indianapolis, IN - Indiana University
The Indiana University School of Social Work works...
Household Manager/Social Worker
Crosby, MN - Heartwood
Heartwood is seeking a full time Household Manager...
Social Worker 3/Clinical Counselor 3
OH - Case Western Reserve University
POSITION OBJECTIVE The Social Worker 3/Clinical Co...
Licensed Social Worker (LSW) Outpatient
Riverton, UT - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
Licensed Social Worker (LSW) Outpatient
Salt Lake City, UT - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW).
Novi, MI - LifeStance Health
We are actively looking to hire talented Therapist...
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW).
Lansing, MI - LifeStance Health
We are actively looking to hire talented Therapist...
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW).
Highland, MI - LifeStance Health
We are actively looking to hire talented Therapist...
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW).
Brighton, MI - LifeStance Health
We are actively looking to hire talented Therapist...
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)
Greenville, RI - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)
Warwick, RI - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)
Cranston, RI - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Outpatient
Salt Lake City, UT - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Outpatient
Bountiful, UT - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Outpatient
Pleasant Grove, UT - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Outpatient
Riverton, UT - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Outpatient
Murray, UT - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) (open to working with all ages)
Fenton, MI - LifeStance Health
We are actively looking to hire talented Therapist...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Novi, MI - LifeStance Health
We are actively looking to hire talented Therapist...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Brighton, MI - LifeStance Health
We are actively looking to hire talented Therapist...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Highland, MI - LifeStance Health
We are actively looking to hire talented Therapist...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Lansing, MI - LifeStance Health
We are actively looking to hire talented Therapist...
Social Worker-Emergency Room SW
Winston-Salem, NC - Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist & Wake Forest University School of Medicine
JOB DESCRIPTIONPosition Highlights: Shift Schedul...
School Social Worker
Kamas, UT - Undisclosed
South Summit School District is seeking applicants...
School Social Worker / Guidance Counselor
Grand Ridge, IL - Undisclosed
SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER / GUIDANCE COUNSELOR Grand Ri...
Surgical Assistant
Independence, MO - Kansas City Dental Implants & Oral Surgery
Kansas City Dental Implants & Oral Surgeryhttp://w...
Surgical Assistant
Lincoln, NE - Nebraska Oral & Facial Surgery
Nebraska Oral & Facial Surgeryhttp://nebraskaoralf...
Practice Administrator - Oral Surgery
Issaquah, WA - Advanced Dental Implants & Oral Surgery
Practice Administrator Oral Surgery Practice Locat...
Pediatric Pulmonology and/or Pediatric Sleep Medicine - Assistant, Associate or Professor
San Antonio, TX - CHRISTUS Children's
Pediatric Pulmonology and/or Pediatric Sleep Medic...
Social Worker Field Care Coordinator - DC, MD, VA
Washington, DC - Optum
$5,000 Sign-on Bonus for External CandidatesOptum ...
Licensed Outpatient Therapist - Offices throughout Twin Cities
Plymouth, MN - Optum
CARE Counseling, part of the Optum family of busin...
Product Manager - Dream Product Section, Leisure Product Department (LPD)
Tokyo - Rakuten Group, Inc.
Job Description:Department OverviewThe Leisure Pro...
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)
South Kingstown, RI - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)
Providence, RI - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker - LICSW
Minneapolis, MN - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Louisville, KY - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Lexington, KY - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Georgetown, KY - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Frankfort, KY - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
New Castle, DE - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Nashville, TN - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Knoxville, TN - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
View All JobsPost a Job
Powered by

  • Ending the Therapeutic Relationship: Creative Termination Activities

    Ending the Therapeutic Relationship: Creative Termination Activities

    94 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • What Feelings Are In Your Heart: An Art Therapy Exercise for Kids

    694 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • The Biopsychosocial Perspective to Mental Health and Illness

    3 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • My Journey as a Teacher and the Future of Education

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Stages of Development: Aging Across the Life Span

    580 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
ADVERTISEMENT
SWHELPER

We bring content to support you and the people you care about in their various stages of life. If you are searching in google on how to help or assist a loved one or yourself, check out our content.

LEARN MORE »

  • Terms of Service
  • Article Submissions
  • Advertising
  • Shop Merch

© 2024 SWHELPER.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Subscribe
  • Category
    • Business
    • Culture
    • Economy
    • Lifestyle
    • Health
    • Travel
    • Opinion
    • Politics
    • Tech
    • World
  • Find/Post Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Shop Merch

© 2024 SWHELPER.

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.
 

Loading Comments...
 

You must be logged in to post a comment.

    If You Enjoyed This Post
    Join Our Newsletter
    Subscribe
    Give it a try, you can unsubscribe anytime.
    Close