24 Person-in-Environment
Alexandria Lewis
Content Outline, Competency, and KSAs
I. Human Development, Diversity, and Behavior in the Environment
1A. Human Growth and Development
KSAs:
– Person-in-Environment (PIE) theory
overview
The person-in-environment (PIE) perspective/theory is a foundational perspective in social work that emphasizes the importance of understanding individuals within the context of their environment. It acknowledges that individuals’ behaviors, experiences, and problems cannot be fully understood without considering the various environmental systems they interact with. These systems include their immediate surroundings, such as family and social networks, as well as broader societal influences, including social and cultural elements. The PIE perspective integrates multiple dimensions of an individual’s life, including biological, psychological, social, and sometimes spiritual factors.
The development of the PIE perspective over time has been closely linked with general systems theory and the ecosystems approach, evolving into a more nuanced understanding that integrates ecological models and general systems theory (Koenig, et al., 2020).
person-in-environment classification system
The Person-in-Environment (PIE) Classification System includes the following elements (Hutchison, 2017):
- Factor I: Social Functioning Problems
- Factor II: Environmental Problems
- Factor III: Mental Health Problems
- Factor IV: Physical Health Problems
Factor I: Social Functioning Problems
A. Social role in which each problem is identified
- Family
- Other interpersonal
- Occupational
B. Type of problem in social role
C. Severity of problem
D. Duration of problem
E. Ability of client to cope with problem
Factor II: Environmental Problems
A. Social system where each problem is identified
B. Specific type of problem with each social system
C. Severity of problem
D. Duration of problem
Factor III: Mental Health Problems
A. Clinical syndrome (DSM)
B. Personality and developmental disorders (DSM)
Factor IV: Physical Health Problems
A. Disease diagnosed by a physician
B. Other health problems reported by client and other
Note: The PIE classification system does not assess client strengths or resources.
References
Hutchison, E.D. (2017). Essentials of human behavior: Integrating person, environment, and the life course. SAGE Publications, Inc.
Koenig, T., Spano, R., & Thompson. (2020). Human behavior theory for social work practice. SAGE Publications, Inc.
