The Contexts of Life: A Socio-Ecological Model of Adaptive Behavior and Functioning. Final Report

Presented is the final report of a project concerned with understanding adaptive behavior and functioning in preschool children with particular individual characteristics which may become handicapping conditions. A socio-ecological model of the development of adaptive functioning is presented which focuses on the structure of the conditions in which developmental processes emerge and the developmental issues confronting individuals under varying conditions. The various systems with which a young child must adaptively interact are addressed from a systems theoretical perspective. The systems seen to be of most concern are the primary system (family) and adjunct systems (school, peer groups, clinics, etc.). Aspects of accessing and transitions between and among systems are explored. The negotiation of developmental issues of critical importance to the young child and interactive systems are highlighted. Mediation, from a number of different perspectives, is presented. From a research framework, particular attention is paid to the compromising conditions of: mental retardation; visual impairments; speech, language, and hearing impairments; affective impairments; and learning disabilities. Implications for future research are briefly discussed. Also provided is an annotated bibliography of adaptive behavior and functioning from a socio-ecological perspective. (Author/SBH)