Spencer’s Phenomenological Variant of Ecological Systems Theory (PVEST): Charting Its Origin and Impact

Authors

Michael Cunningham, Tulane University School of Science and Engineering
Dena Phillips Swanson, The University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Joseph Youngblood, Kean University
Eleanor K. Seaton, Arizona State University
Samantha Francois, Tulane UniversityFollow
Christopher Ashford, Microsoft Corporation

Document Type

Article

Abstract

This article examines the origin and scholarly impact of Dr. Margaret Beale Spencer’s phenomenological variant of ecological systems theory (PVEST). We expound on her early foundational work replicating the Clark and Clark (1950) doll study and research during the period of “Atlanta’s missing and murdered children.” As a conceptual template, we anchor the theoretical contribution as introducing phenomenology and “net vulnerability” as factors that inform “emerging identities.” Highlighted research focuses on synergistic themes associated with identity intersectionality, pubertal development, and education as a context for net vulnerability. We end with suggestions for future directions for PVEST.

Publication Title

American Psychologist

Publication Date

2023

Volume

78

Issue

4

First Page

524

Last Page

534

ISSN

0003-066X

DOI

10.1037/amp0001051

Keywords

developmental science, emerging identity, net vulnerability, PVEST

Repository Citation

Cunningham, Michael; Swanson, Dena Phillips; Youngblood, Joseph; Seaton, Eleanor K.; Francois, Samantha; and Ashford, Christopher, "Spencer’s Phenomenological Variant of Ecological Systems Theory (PVEST): Charting Its Origin and Impact" (2023). Psychology. 905.
https://commons.clarku.edu/faculty_psychology/905