An Ecological-Transactional Model of Generational Boundary Dissolution Across Development

ABSTRACT

The present article proposes an updated model of boundary dissolution. Specifically, the model integrates the ecological-ethical model of parentification with a broader model of boundary dissolution and further incorporates an ecological-transactional perspective to advance boundary dissolution theory. This model argues that transactional processes within and across levels of ecology influence a boundary-dissolved microsystem and maladaptive and adaptive ontogenic development. This article also provides a review of the extant literature on the causes and consequences of boundary dissolution by level of ecology. Consequences to ontogenic development and child ontogenic factors that influence boundary dissolution are reviewed by developmental period to emphasize developmental processes. Directions for future work suggested by this review are highlighted.

KEYWORDS:

• boundary dissolution
• boundary disturbance
• ecological model
• intrusiveness
• parentification
• role reversal
• triangulation