The social ecology of health: Leverage points and linkages

The authors demonstrate the usefulness of social ecology theory for improvi ng the treatment and prevention of poor health. The social ecology of healt h, unlike the topics of previous triptychs in Behavioral Medicine, is a fie ld with out a clearly defined body of literature. We begin with an overview of the ecological perspective and ecological theory as outlined by Bronfen brenner and colleagues, provide examples of how ecological concepts have be en demonstrated to influence health, and discuss how these concepts can be used by health professionals. We present a heuristic model illustrating lev erage points and linkages tie, socioeconomic status, family, work, and scho ol), for health, and we conclude with a consideration of the benefits of so cial ecology to health professionals and a summery, of the limitations of t he ecological model.