Socioecological models

Socioecological models explain how our health and behaviors are influenced by multiple levels of factors, from individual choices to broader societal forces. They recognize that personal actions are affected by relationships, community environments, organizations, and policies. For example, someone’s ability to be physically active isn’t just about their motivation but also about neighborhood safety, availability of parks, school programs, and laws. This approach helps us understand that improving health involves addressing not only individual habits but also the social and environmental systems around us.