Person-context interaction theories

Abstract

A basic proposition for this chapter's presentation and discussion is that the individual is an active, purposeful part of an integrated, complex, and dynamic person-environment system. Our position is that, as a fundamental prerequisite for success, empirical research must start with a careful analysis of the phenomena relevant to the specific problem under study. With reference to this proposition, the main part of this chapter is devoted to an attempt to analyze the structures and processes involved in the operation of person-environment systems and the way in which the individual functions and develops within this general type of system. The main thesis emphasizes the close dependency of individual functioning and individual development on the social, cultural, and physical characteristics of the environment. At the end of the chapter, certain methodological and research strategy implications of the theoretical analysis will be presented.

Keywords

Affiliated Institutions

• Örebro University SE
• Stockholm University SE

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