In 1985, McGoldrick and Gerson introduced a new method for mapping the family system.
It may also be used to provide a visual aid when explaining the assessment of the problem to the client. The worker may use the ecomap to organize the client’s systems to be reviewed in staffing. Arrows, plus and minus signs can be used to represent energy flow between the systems.Įcomaps are a good way to visually represent the client system, the influences on the client, and the energy flow to and from the client system. A jagged line indicates a fractured or stressful relationship. A dashed line indicates a tenuous or fragile relationship. A solid line indicates a strong relationship. The linking of the circles provides an indication of the relationships between the systems. Her book introduced ecomaps to the assessment lexicon and tool chest.Įcomaps are characterized by circles representing individuals and groups and linked in various ways. Ann Hartman published a book demonstrating how an ecological approach could be used in family assessment. Bronfenbrenner was not the only person exploring the application of ecological systems theory thinking in 1979. I will be discussing ecomaps, genograms, and critical events timelines. Ecological systems theory and practice is part of an ongoing series, and this article will focus on systems and he sociocybernetic map.