Environmental assessment: Examining influences on optimal human functioning.

Abstract

The idea that environmental factors influence how an individual functions is well accepted in psychology. In the early 1900s, this notion was popularized by behaviorists who argued that individual behavior could be explained, predicted, and modified if the mechanisms underlying environmental influences were understood (Conyne & Clack, 1981). In their efforts, behaviorists discovered principles by which the environment can affect behavior (e.g., punishment and reinforcement). These principles have proven so powerful that they have been adopted implicitly and explicitly in current conceptualizations of the environment (Walsh, Craik, & Price, 2000). Yet, despite knowledge of the principles by which the environment can shape the individual, there is a dearth of scholarship devoted to identifying the specific environmental variables that do the shaping. One reason for this scholarly lacunae is that environmental contexts are difficult to operationalize. A second reason could be the ideology of individualism that focuses on the person as the responsible agent of behaviors. A third reason is that the assessment of the environment may seem fruitless to some because the context may be perceived as fixed or too difficult to change.To advance our understanding of human functioning, we must find a way to reliably operationalize environmental variables. Also, attention should be paid to discovering aspects of environments that promote healthy functioning and growth of individuals. Fortunately, work is being done to establish a scientific foundation that includes positive environmental characteristics (see Friedman & Wachs, 1999;Moos, 1991;Walsh & Betz, 1995). Researchers seek to understand and describe growth-promoting variables in the environment by defining positive constructs precisely and investigating them empirically. Such rigorous scientific investigation of positive environmental constructs may unleash a heretofore untapped force for change (Conyne & Clack, 1981). As

The Development and Validation of the Inventory of Family Protective Factors: A Brief Assessment for Family Counseling

“…The idea that environmental factors influence how persons function is well accepted in counseling and human development (Rasmussen et al, 2004). As the primary setting of human development and social interaction, the family environment is likely the essential environmental domain for assessment efforts (Amerikaner et al, 1994;May, Sowa, & Niles, 1993).…”

“…Walsh & Betz, 1995, p. 312). It has been proposed that assessments that provide data relative to how individuals interpret, perceive, and react relative to their family environments facilitate a significant understanding and ability to predict their actions (Amerikaner et al, 1994;May et al, 1993;Rasmussen et al, 2004). The discussion that follows outlines the development of the IFPF as a brief assessment of family members' perceptions of the significance of specific family protective factors.…”

The Engagement Model of Person-Environment Interaction

“…Because the engagement model focuses on factors related to the personal strengths and environmental resources involved in achieving positive outcomes, existing research on positive psychological constructs (Snyder & Lopez, 2002) should be considered in developing such measures. Also, researchers could be guided in developing engagement measures by becoming familiar with past attempts at examining environmental influences on optimal human functioning (Rasmussen et al, 2003). Furthermore, it has been mentioned that disciplines other than psychology have a history of considering interactions between humans and their sociocultural environments.…”

“…In this way, fit represents an inherent limitation in the ability of Holland's model to accurately reflect processes involved in interactions. Furthermore, current trends in psychology indicate a need for models of personenvironment interaction to account for personal strengths and environmental resources (Rasmussen et al, 2003;Wright & Lopez, 2002).…”

A Dialectical Approach to Positive Organizational Studies

“…Rasmussen et al [55] pointed three main reasons for why environmental assessment is underdeveloped in positive studies. First, environmental contexts are difficult to contextualize.…”