What concept emphasizes that understanding an individual's functioning requires knowledge of the systems in which they live?

The concept that emphasizes understanding an individual's functioning in relation to the various systems and contexts they inhabit is known as environmental press theory. This theory posits that an individual's behavior and wellbeing are influenced not only by their personal characteristics but also by the demands and supports of their environment.

Environmental press theory highlights the interaction between a person and their environment, suggesting that to fully understand an individual, one must consider the social, cultural, and physical systems that shape their experiences and behavior. This perspective is particularly important because it acknowledges that individuals cannot be fully understood in isolation from the environments that impact them.

In contrast, behaviorism focuses on observable behaviors and the responses to environmental stimuli, often neglecting the broader systems at play. Cognitive dissonance addresses the discomfort experienced when holding contradictory beliefs or values, rather than the external influences affecting individual behavior. Social learning theory emphasizes the role of observation and modeling in learning behaviors, but does not prioritize the importance of multiple systems in understanding an individual.