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Bringing natural ecosystems into the bioecological model of human development

Nature Human Behaviour volume 10, pages 7–9 (2026)Cite this article

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The bioecological model of human development is among the most influential frameworks in the social sciences. We argue that it is time to integrate natural ecosystems into this model. This approach will shape research, practice and policy to promote both healthy human development and an environmentally sustainable future.

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Fig. 1: Geo-bioecological model as interdependent nested structures.
Fig. 2: Geo-bioecological model as a spiral.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Applied Psychology, New York University, New York, NY, USA

    Jorge Cuartas & Pamela Morris-Perez

  2. Centro de Estudios sobre Seguridad y Drogas (CESED), Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia

    Jorge Cuartas

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  1. Jorge Cuartas
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  2. Pamela Morris-Perez
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Correspondence to Jorge Cuartas.

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Cuartas, J., Morris-Perez, P. Bringing natural ecosystems into the bioecological model of human development. Nat Hum Behav 10, 7–9 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-025-02334-y

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