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Systems Theory for the Beginning Therapist
Author(s) -
Robinson Malcolm
Publication year - 1980
Publication title -
australian journal of family therapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1467-8438
pISSN - 0156-8779
DOI - 10.1002/j.1467-8438.1980.tb00024.x
Subject(s) - dysfunctional family , hierarchy , systems theory , energy (signal processing) , open system (computing) , family therapy , psychology , control (management) , family systems theory , process management , social psychology , computer science , business , psychotherapist , economics , mathematics , artificial intelligence , statistics , software , market economy , programming language
The family is an open, living system. All open systems have characteristics of organization, control and energy. The family is an organized “whole” with defined boundaries, hierarchy, pattern of relationships, and inherent principles for growth and self‐regulation, As a system of Interacting Individuals, it has reactive mechanisms for self‐regulation and change in the form of positive and negative feedback loops. These act to maintain the homeastatic balance and permit change under limited conditions. The family, as an organization, is in an exchange relationship with its wider environment, This relationship permits energy and information (as energy) to be exchanged in a way that prevents disintegration and promotes growth and differentiation. Family Therapy uses Family Systems Theory as its primary theoretical framework in attempting to understand, explain and change dysfunctional family systems.