Ecological Theory

As a social worker and my client is a teenager who is coping with anorexia as a result of being bullied by peers for her weight I would apply ecological systems theory. Assessment from the ecological systems theory perspective requires knowledge of the diverse systems involved in interactions between the teenager and his/her environments (LeCroy). This theory includes interpersonal systems that include parent-child, family, people, friends, neighbors, social networks, organizations and institutions within their community. The physical environment is also a factor of this teenager like his/her home life is an important factor in dealing with this illness. The family is an ecological system that needs to nurture the teenager; it is the primary source of this teenager suffering from anorexia (LeCroy). An ecological approach is necessary to place equal emphasis on different needs that are dominant. Family systems need to be assessed to determine family functioning during this crisis and even though this teenager is being bullied for their weight, the first step in their recovery is the family learning the tools to help them (LeCroy). This case falls under the Psychosocial stage five; Identity Versus Confusion where as teenagers explore different behaviors, roles and identities. This stage is critical because it is a stage in life that serves as a basis for finding future directions in life. Those who remain confused at this stage in life may feel lost, insecure and unsecure if their place in the world and this in turn can cause a eating disorder (Psych).

In an illness such as Anorexia disease, the family's view of this stressor is important and life events are influences outside of the family system that must be interacted with. The ecological perspective views this interaction with regard to the teenager's point of view; it assesses all aspects of the situation. As a social worker I need to be prepared to intervene anywhere in the client's life space. The ecological perspective allows me to understand that the teenager and the environment mutually influence each other. Therefore the family reacts to the stress but also participates in creating the conditions to which they must adapt to help the teenager and help them in their environment that helps him/her interact but they remain separate identities that must be dealt with. This theory allows me as a social worker to intervene within the family system as well as the environment.