How many levels of environment are identified in ecological systems theory?

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Study for the UCF DEP2004 Developmental Psychology Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions with explanations to prepare for your exam. Ensure success on test day!

Ecological systems theory, developed by Urie Bronfenbrenner, identifies five distinct levels of environment that influence human development. These levels are:

Microsystem: The immediate environment in which an individual lives. This includes family, school, peers, and immediate surroundings.
Mesosystem: The interconnections between the microsystems. For example, the relationship between a child’s home and their school environment.
Exosystem: Represents the broader social system that indirectly influences the individual. This could include parents' workplaces, community services, or local government policies.
Macrosystem: The overarching societal and cultural influences that shape individuals and their environments. This includes cultural values, laws, customs, and social mores.
Chronosystem: This level encompasses the dimension of time, reflecting the environmental changes and transitions over the life span, such as changes in family structure or economic cycles.

Recognizing these five levels helps to understand how different aspects of an individual’s environment interact and contribute to development. In this context, identifying five distinct levels emphasizes the complexity of influences on human growth and behavior throughout different stages of life.