The social ecological model is a framework used to understand the complex interactions between individuals and their environments. It emphasizes that behavior is influenced by multiple levels, including individual, interpersonal, community, and societal factors. This model helps identify how various elements, such as family, friends, and cultural norms, impact a person's choices and health outcomes. By considering these different levels, the social ecological model aids in designing effective interventions and policies. For example, addressing issues like obesity or substance abuse requires strategies that target not just individual behavior but also the broader community and societal influences that shape those behaviors.