Systems Theory - Theories of Family Relations

Theories of Family Relations Systems Theory David Comp

1. Assumptions 1. The actions of one family member have an affect on other family members. This is due to the fact that families operate as a group or unit and that all of the members are interconnected. The manner in which an individual behaves is directly influenced by their family. People are individuals but they are also a part of their families in some way. Individuals do not live in isolation, they are part of family system. Basically, all parts of the family system are interconnected and affect the each other. 2. Understanding individual behavior is only possible by studying the whole family, group and/or system. Since individuals are interconnected with their family members we can understand their behaviors by studying the other members of the family. It is best to take a holistic approach to understanding individual behaviors. This holistic approach is accomplished by looking at the family and how its members interrelate as a whole. 3. All systems affect their environment and, alternately, these systems are effected by their environment. This assumption is based on the concept of feedback. All systems have a form of feedback in their operations. When systems receive feedback they are able to use it to make or not make changes within their own system. This assumption is very similar to the assumption that all families are interconnected.

2. Concepts 1. Feedback: Feedback is also an assumption of systems theory. Feedback is the concept that systems have an affect on their environment and vice versa. Systems make change based on the positive feedback the receive from other systems in their environment. Feedback that promotes change is known as positive feedback. Negative feedback is intended to maintain the status quo and limit change. 2. Interdependence of parts: Interdependence of parts is the concept that parts of a system are interconnected so that if one part of a system changes the other parts of that system are also changed in some form. Also, when a system experiences change other systems in the environment are affected. 3. Wholeness: Wholeness is basically the concept that the whole is greater than the sum of all its parts. It is impossible to understand a family system by knowing all of its members. One must view the entire family operating together as a whole system in order to understand the dynamics of the family.

4. Multiple Levels: This is the concept that systems are part of a larger system. Suprasystems (community, culture, nation) and subsystems (individuals and families) are interrelated and have and impact on each other 3. Propositions 1. One proposition of systems theory is called the homeostasis hypothesis. The homeostasis hypothesis states that systems (families included) tend to be resistant to change and tend toward homeostasis. Change can be very difficult for systems to do or to accept. 2. A second proposition of systems theory is that systems are embedded within other systems. This is directly related to the concept of multiple levels. The individual is within the family system which is within the neighborhood system (school district system, work system) which is within the community system (government system, economic system) which is within the national system and so on. The suprasystems and subsystems are interrelated.

4. Applications 1. Family systems theory may be applied in family life education by helping families adopt and accept change to their system. Most systems find it difficult to make changes. Helping families learn to accept and expect changes in their lives can be of great benefit to a family. By becoming comfortable with change(s) a family may experience less stress as a result of change. This could lead to a healthier family system. 2. In family therapy, systems theory may be used by the clinician to facilitate discussion about the affect one individual’s behaviors have on the entire family system. By encouraging this type of discussion, family members may express their feelings about how the specific behavior affects them and the family. The individual may not realize how their behavior impacts the family system and this type of positive feedback from the family may have an impact and change the behavior. 3. Systems theory may also be implemented in family therapy by meeting the family as a whole. By studying the family as they interact as a group will give valuable insights to the therapist regarding the family dynamics. The therapist may have the entire family involved in a formal therapy session (therapists office) but they may also view the family system in an informal setting (the family, interacting while playing a game, waiting in the lobby prior to the session). 5. Critique 1. One of the criticisms of family systems theory is that it is model and not a theory. Many also believe that the concepts are more methodological than theoretical. However, others argue that whether or not systems theory is actually a theory depends on how one views science. Systems theorists do not necessarily follow the rules of traditional science. They tend to take a more constructivist position. The constructivist viewpoint is that different models may be used to explain different phenomena. They just have a less competitive

approach to theory. I believe that systems theory is in fact a theory and contributes to science.

2. Systems theory appears to provide a solid basis of understanding individual and family behaviors. I agree with the assumptions of this theory. We are involved in many systems in our lives and they are all interrelated. To better understand an individual or a family we must view them in relation to the entire system. Only then can we develop a better understanding. However, critics believe that systems theory is too general to be applied to understanding the individual and/or their family.

6. Additional References Burr, W.R. Using theories in family science. Chapter 5. pp. 73-88 (class handout). Klein, D.M., & White, J.M. (1996). Family theories: An introduction. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, Inc. Olson, D.H., & DeFrain, J. (1997). Marriage and the family: Diversity and strengths. (2nd ed.) Mountain View, CA: Mayfield Publishing Company. Tan, G.G., Ray, M.P., & Cate, R. (1991). Migrant farm child abuse and neglect within an ecosystem framework. Family Relations 40, 84-89. Walsh, F. (1993). Conceptualization of normal family processes. In F. Walsh (Ed.) Normal Family Processes (2nd ed.) (pp. 3-69). New York: The Guilford Press.