Relational Developmental Systems‐Based Theories and the Study of Children and Families: Lerner and Spanier (1978) Revisited

In: Journal of family theory & review: JFTR, Band 7, Heft 2, S. 83-104

Abstract

We discuss the evolution of scientific theory using the example of the relational developmental systems (RDS) metamodel, a conception emphasizing mutually influential relations between individuals and contexts. An important basis for RDS ideas in contemporary developmental science is Lerner and Spanier's (1978) discussion of mutually influential relationships between children and families. In the context of recounting the role of one of the present authors (RML) in the evolution of the RDS metamodel, we compare the Lerner and Spanier discussion with RDS‐based ideas. We present the implications of RDS ideas for contemporary research and applications aimed at understanding and enhancing children, families, and the systemic relationships among them.