Chapter 1: Introduction to Human Behavior in the Social Environment (HBSE)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key HBSE concepts introduced in Chapter 1.

HBSE (Human Behavior in the Social Environment)

The study of how people and their environments influence each other, including theories of human behavior, the Person-in-Environment framework, and multidisciplinary frameworks.

Person-in-Environment (PIE) model

A holistic framework that views a person within the context of their social, cultural, economic, and physical environments.

Micro level

The immediate environment: the individual and close relationships (family, friends, peers) and personal health beliefs.

Mezzo level

Small groups and communities (school, church, neighborhood, local organizations) that influence development.

Macro level

Societal and systemic contexts (laws, policies, healthcare, cultural norms, social inequality) shaping behavior.

Life Span Perspective

Development is lifelong, integrating biological, cognitive, social, and emotional changes with potential for growth (plasticity) at any age.

Life Course Perspective

Focuses on social, historical, and cultural influences on development, including timing, sequencing, transitions, and early-life effects.

Biopsychosocial assessment

An integrated approach to evaluate biological, psychological, and social factors to understand clients in their context.

Normative age-graded influences

Predictable changes that occur at typical ages within a culture (e.g., starting school, retirement).

Nonnormative age-graded influences

Unpredictable events not expected for everyone; can be risk factors or protective factors.

Cohort

Individuals born in the same generation who often share experiences, values, and challenges.

Generation

A roughly 20-year period containing multiple cohorts with shared societal experiences.

Age Norms

Society’s expectations for behavior at certain ages or life stages.

Assets

Strengths or resources that clients can use to cope with challenges.

Adaptations

How clients adjust to life events or changes (healthy or unhealthy).

Adjustments

Specific changes in behavior, thinking, or emotions in response to events.

Developmental Risks

Factors that increase the likelihood of negative outcomes (biological, psychological, environmental).

Cumulative Risk Hypothesis

Exposure to multiple risk factors increases the chances of negative outcomes.

Developmental Protective Factors

Characteristics or conditions that buffer the negative effects of risk and promote resilience.

Protective factors examples

Supportive relationships, access to community resources, and other assets.

Erikson: Trust vs. Mistrust

Infancy stage; the challenge of developing basic trust through reliable caregiving.

Erikson: Autonomy vs. Shame & Doubt

Toddler stage; developing independence while managing self-doubt.

Erikson: Initiative vs. Guilt

Preschool stage; initiating activities and sense of purpose.

Erikson: Industry vs. Inferiority

School-age stage; developing competence through skills and social comparison.

Erikson: Identity vs. Role Confusion

Adolescence stage; forming a coherent sense of self.

Erikson: Intimacy vs. Isolation

Young adulthood stage; forming close, meaningful relationships.

Erikson: Generativity vs. Stagnation

Midlife stage; contributing to others and society.

Erikson: Integrity vs. Despair

Old age stage; reflecting on life’s meaning.

Funnel theory

As people age, their range of experiences and options narrows, affecting coping and decisions.

Self-Control Theory of Crime

Proposes that low self-control, developed early in life, underpins criminal and impulsive behavior.

Impulse

A tendency to act without forethought or consideration of consequences.

Criminal Opportunity

Situations or contexts where committing crime is possible; opportunity interacts with self-control.

Weakening of Social Bonds

Diminished ties to family, school, or community that reduce social constraints.

Positive Psychology

Study of what makes people happy and fulfilled; emphasizes positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and achievement.

Strengths Perspective

Focus on clients’ talents, skills, and supports; aims to build on strengths, not just fix problems.

Social functioning framework

Conceptual framework for understanding and improving how people perform daily tasks and fulfill social roles.

Ecological Systems Theory

Urie Bronfenbrenner’s model of five nested environmental systems influencing development.

Microsystem

Closest layer; direct interactions with family, peers, school, and local environment.

Mesosystem

Connections between microsystems (e.g., home–school relationships) that affect development.

Exosystem

Settings not directly involved but that affect the person (e.g., a parent's workplace).

Macrosystem

Broader culture, laws, beliefs, values, and societal norms shaping development.

Chronosystem

Time dimension; life events and historical changes over time affecting development.

Race

Socially constructed category used to group people based on physical traits and social meanings.

Racism

Systemic beliefs and practices that create unequal opportunities and outcomes by race.

Gender

Biological sex (sex) and socially constructed roles, behaviors, and identities (gender).

Cisgender

Gender identity aligns with the sex assigned at birth.

Transgender

Gender identity does not match the sex assigned at birth.

Nonbinary

Gender identities that are not exclusively male or female.

Intersex

Individuals with sex characteristics that do not fit typical binary notions of male or female.

Genderqueer

Gender identity that is not exclusively male or female; can carry a political dimension.

Gender fluid

Gender identity or expression that may shift over time.

Two Spirit

Indigenous term for diverse genders/sexualities within certain communities.

Ageism

Prejudice or discrimination based on age.

Social inequality

Unequal access to resources, opportunities, and living conditions.

Inequalities of condition

Differences in material resources and access to opportunities.

Inequalities of opportunity

Barriers that limit chances to succeed even with similar effort.

Capabilities and freedoms

What people can do or be and their real opportunities to pursue valued lives; inequality arises when access is unfair.

Anti-Oppressive Frameworks

Approaches that challenge power imbalances and promote equality across systems.

Power

The ability to influence or control events; can be exercised by individuals or structures.

Reward Power

Using benefits or rewards to influence others.

Coercive Power

Threat of punishment or negative outcomes to influence behavior.

Expert Power

Power that comes from specialized knowledge or skills.

Referent Power

Influence based on trust, respect, or admiration.

Legitimate Power

Authority derived from an official role or position.

Social facts

Durkheim’s idea that external social forces shape thoughts, actions, and social life.

Social norms

Widely accepted rules and expectations guiding behavior.

Social class

Societal rank based on resources, prestige, and power that affects experiences.