Module 2e Transcript - Social Ecological Models

A collection of vocabulary terms from the lecture on Social Ecological Models, covering Bronfenbrenner's levels of context, the ABC-X model of stress, and related research methodologies.

Social Ecological Models

Theoretical frameworks explaining how factors in a couple’s environment, such as stressors and supports, affect how partners think, feel, and behave towards each other.

Microsystem

The most immediate environment to the couple, consisting of their social network of family and friends.

Mesosystem

The level of context including the neighborhood and culture where a relationship takes place, which influences how embedded a couple is in their community.

Macrosystem

The level of context accounting for historic and national forces influencing relationships, such as traditional gender roles or regional unemployment rates.

ABC-X Model

A specific social ecological model that examines how relationships are affected by stressful circumstances based on the stressor ($A$), resources ($B$), and perception of the stressor ($C$).

Stressor ($A$)

Stressful circumstances or events, such as unemployment, financial strain, illness, or even positive changes like moving, that require adaptation.

Resources ($B$)

Material assets like money or social assets like supportive family and religious connections that help a couple deal with a stressor.

Perception ($C$)

The way a couple defines or views a stressor, such as seeing it as a challenge to be overcome or a tragedy to be endured.

Crisis ($X$)

The ultimate experience of and response to a stressful event, which can lead to either personal/spiritual growth or the weakening of a bond.

Stress Pile-up

A phenomenon where downstream consequences or additional stressors accumulate following an initial stressful event.

Life-span Study

A longitudinal study that follows participants for a significant duration, such as $40$ or $50$ years, to track the effects of major stressors over time.

Daily Diary Study

A research method where couples are followed every day for a short period, such as $1$ or $2$ weeks, to observe how coping with minor stress affects their relationship.

Socioeconomic Status (SES)

A measure encompassing income and the affluence of a neighborhood; research indicates higher divorce rates are correlated with lower SES environments.