Introduction of the model with a description of historical development
Social ecology model also referred to as social ecological concepts is a structure of looking into the compound effects and interconnectedness of social aspects in the environment. Social ecology model (SEM) is instrumental in the provision of a theoretical structure for the examination of a variety of backgrounds in several categories of research and conflict communication. SEM is basically a qualitative research model for carrying out observations in the field, though; it is also useful in experimental backgrounds (Bronfenbrenner, 1979, p. 176). Social ecology model enables multiple dimensions and contexts to incorporate and institute a wider scene in conflict communication, physical action and health scenarios to avoid the underestimation of the impacts of other contexts.
There have been a couple of adaptations to this model although the first and most employed was Urie Bronfenbrenner’s version which factions the factors into four levels which are micro-, meso-, exo-, and macro- that give details on influences such as personal, interpersonal, institutional, intercultural or community (Bronfenbrenner, 1979, p. 183).
Microsystems entail personal or interpersonal attributes and characteristics of groups that form the basis of social identity which could touch on the role one has or the features that they may carry in general. Mesosystems are the societal or organizational aspects determining or structuring the environment in which persons interpersonal associations take place. The aspects may take the form of policies, regulations, rules or the suitable company etiquette in the case of a formal institution. Exosystems deal with the community aspect influence which encompasses customs, values and social networks. Macrosystems are the cultural frameworks that are emotional and philosophical besides being environmental and physical aspects.
The weight of these systems is more felt and visible probably due to the size of the impact. Bronfenbrenner’s standpoint is based on the individual, the environment and progressive interrelation of the two. He realized that the person was not only the aspect touching the individual but instead there were other factors in between which impacted on the next level. In 1935, Kurt Lewin developed a classic equation which demonstrated behavior is depended on the person and the environment.
Definition and relation of at least three concepts within the model
Informal networks
These are instruments through which individuals maintain themselves on daily basis. It is very crucial to recognize the importance of informal networks which are the channels through which individuals communicate, congregate and provide support to one another in conventional means as well as safeguard cultural values. There is a necessity to plot, access and marshal networks in the ethnographic process.
Citizen issues
Citizen issues are sentiments that people articulate or make and can be operated upon. They are contrary to common perceptions, morals in a community or attitudes and therefore we look for exploitable statements which are enhanced predictors of issues that can be acted upon. Their focus entrenches health policy in the people’s real issues of all the people. Therefore, an avenue is created to provide tangible solutions in regard to ideological positions of persons in official organizations.
Human geographic units
This identifies that people are very attached to their environment and cultural ways to differentiate between one population and another. There is a tendency to regard the geographical base and people living in it as a similar unit which can be referred to as “staffing the culture”.
Comparison of the model’s application to the nursing process
Social ecology model is applicable to nursing process in various aspects. First of all, it can be used as a model of prevention where the main goal is to prevent the violence before it starts. It is important to understand factors that instigate violence and therefore a four-level social-ecological model is applied to comprehend violence and the impact on latent prevention approaches. This model reflects on the intricate interrelation as regards to an individual, community and societal aspects.
It can also be applied in the analysis of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders prevention programming since it provides a couple of procedural and theoretical principles for coming up with community- based health endorsement programs.
This model is versatile, aiming at environmental, behavioral, and communal policy transformations that assist individuals make daily health choices. Social ecology model is unique it incorporates the physical environment and its connection to populace at interpersonal, institutional, community, and public policy levels because behavior does not occur in a vacuum. SEM has a potential in preventing lots of public health complications, for instance obesity and tobacco consumption as well as pain management (Jordan-Marsh, Et al 2004, p.195).
Applications of this model to community health problems
Precede-Proceed model of health promotion in communities
This model is a structure for the method of systematic development and assessment of health education projects. A fundamental principle of this model is that health education is reliant on voluntary collaboration and contribution of the client in a practice which permits personal determination of behavioral aspects; and that the level of revolution in knowledge and health practice is directly linked to the level of active input of the patient. As a result, appropriate health education is measured as treatment for a suitably diagnosed problem in an intended population (Adeyi, et.al 1998, p. 98).
Chronic care model
This involves corporation of health care systems, the community, the environment and self-management support in addressing and dealing with chronic illnesses in the society.
The importance of community partnership in community health projects
Community partnership is fundamental to the achievement of a community-based health programs. The community provides the support and resources that community health projects need to realize the objectives of the project. Sequentially the members getting the services of the community health project profit wholly from the common endeavor. The community helps by funding hospitals, clinics, nonprofit organization and trusts towards a community health project. The community partnerships can also provide a well-built support system coupled with an easier admittance to community resources for the community health program by establishing good relationships in the location. Partnership will also enhance safety to curb resistance to the project. Finally, community partnership gives an avenue to share risks and tasks as well as bring diversity that diminishes the variance in culture or religion (Jamner and Stokols, 2000, p. 121).
Reference List
Adeyi, N, Helitzer. D, L., Caufield. E, L & Bronner. Y. (1998). Theory and practice; applying the ecological model to formative research Volume 15, Issue 3, 283. Web.
Bronfenbrenner, U. (1979). The ecology of human development: Experiments by nature and by design. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
Jamner, M. and Stokols, D. (2000). Promoting Human Wellness: New Frontiers for Research, Practice, and Policy. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press.
Jordan-Marsh, M., Hubbard, J., Watson, R., Hall, R. Miller, P., and Mohan, O. (2004). The social ecology of changing pain management: Do I have to cry? Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 19, 193-203. Web.