Borrowing Bronfenbrenner: An Argument for Increasing the Intersection of Diverse Theoretical and Applied Models

ABSTRACT

We have observed that as the theoretical landscape in behavioral science continues to proliferate and diversify, it is not uncommon that distance between subspecialties emerge, artificially accentuating differences between camps. This may occur at the risk of losing sight of the common ground, and worsening communication between subspecialties. In this paper, we propose conceptual “crosswalking” as a means to preserve interdisciplinary communication within the behavioral sciences. This is illustrated using Bronfenbrenner's Person-Process-Context-Time (PPCT) Model, mapped onto therapeutic modalities with a focus on ecological systems. Recommendations for future crosswalking are made.

KEYWORDS:

• Behavior
• cognitive development
• mental health
• systems-based therapies
• Bronfenbrenner

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Sean Woodland

Sean Woodland, PhD is a Behavioral Medicine Psychologist at Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento Medical Offices, Sacramento, California, USA.

Matthew Kahler

Matthew Kahler, PhD is a Clinical Psychologist at Tru Living Psychology, a private group practice in Orem, Utah, USA.

John Blue Star

John Blue Star, PhD is a Clinical Health Psychologist at Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center, Joint Base San Antonio- Lackland Air Force Base.

Brandon Fielding

Brandon Fielding, LCSW is a Clinical Social Worker at Birchstone Psychotherapy and Assessment, and a PhD student at Portland State University, Portland, OR, USA.