Abstract
In June 2007 the American Journal of Community Psychology published a special issue focused on theories, methods and interventions for systems change which included calls from the
editors and authors for theoretical advancement in this field. We propose a conceptual model of systems change that integrates
familiar and fundamental community psychology principles (succession, interdependence, cycling of resources, adaptation) and
accentuates a process orientation. To situate our framework we offer a definition of systems change and a brief review of
the ecological perspective and principles. The Ecological Process Model of Systems Change is depicted, described and applied
to a case example of policy driven systems level change in publicly funded social programs. We conclude by identifying salient
implications for thinking and action which flow from the Model.
editors and authors for theoretical advancement in this field. We propose a conceptual model of systems change that integrates
familiar and fundamental community psychology principles (succession, interdependence, cycling of resources, adaptation) and
accentuates a process orientation. To situate our framework we offer a definition of systems change and a brief review of
the ecological perspective and principles. The Ecological Process Model of Systems Change is depicted, described and applied
to a case example of policy driven systems level change in publicly funded social programs. We conclude by identifying salient
implications for thinking and action which flow from the Model.
- Content Type Journal Article
- DOI 10.1007/s10464-010-9405-y
- Authors
- Leslea J. Peirson, School of Nursing and the National Collaborating Centre for Methods and Tools, McMaster University, 1685 Main St. W., Suite 302, Hamilton, ON L8S 1G5, Canada
- Katherine M. Boydell, Community Health Systems Resource Group, The Hospital for Sick Children, Department of Psychiatry and Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
- H. Bruce Ferguson, Community Health Systems Resource Group, The Hospital for Sick Children, Department of Psychiatry and Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
- Lorraine E. Ferris, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
- Journal American Journal of Community Psychology
- Online ISSN 1573-2770
- Print ISSN 0091-0562