Human development is complex, ever changing, and delicate. There is not a more important time in someone’s life than the first few years of life. This holds true for the most part, but according to the dynamic-systems theory, human development doesn’t stop when the mind halts its development. We are ever changing; anytime one thing is affected, it could affect all parts of our life. Once one aspect of your life changes, other aspects will change as well. So in any case, development doesn’t just happen early in life. We are always developing, according to the dynamic-systems theory.
This theory is a relatively new idea. A new way to approach human development as opposed to the classic theories. In my opinion, I believe this theory holds true in many cases. For example, Britney Spears was once an innocent, sweet child. Her fame eventually led to new surroundings that were unfamiliar to the young star. People she had never met were suffocating her, the paparazzi was following her, and she began to party in the club scene. Little by little, her personality started to change, she started acting in odd ways, she took in drugs, and she changed her whole life. That’s a perfect example of the dynamic-systems theory. Beginning events affected later events. Her development changed as she grew older.
A good way to study her “train wreck” behavior is to use the ecological-systems approach. According to Bronfenbrenner, there are three distinct levels that affect a person:
1. Microsystems (Immediate surroundings)
2. Exosystems (Local surroundings such as school, church, work)
3. Macrosystems (Large scale social setting such as politics, culture, values)
He also named two other systems, but I won’t go into detail about them. You can clearly see how each system is affected in Britney’s case. Her microsystem is in chaos. Her family and friends have all but abandoned her. Britney’s exosystem is in turmoil. Her work life is falling out beneath her and her party scene is all too familiar. Then finally, the macrosystem. The nation as a whole thinks she is a train wreck. No faith in her, no mercy. You can see how this would affect her other two systems. She isn’t a loss cause. She needs help, but can always change the direction she is headed in now. Dynamic-systems theory.

Like always, please leave comments and questions.