by Martha Morrison Dore Human Behavior and the Social Environment: Theories for Social Work Practice Bruce A. Thyer, Catherine N. Dulmus, and Karen M. Sowers, Editors Chapter 11 Family Systems Theory by Martha Morrison Dore Traditional theoretical approaches to understanding and helping families drew upon a number of disciplines such as sociology and psychology, and various conceptual frameworks, including: Structural-Functional Theory— The function of the family was primarily aimed at the procreation and socialization of children, and meeting the expressive needs of its adult members. Social Exchange Theory— All human action is based on an exchange of rewards and costs. Individuals establish and continue social relations based on the expectation of mutual advantage. Symbolic Interactionism— Individuals respond not directly to the actions of others, but to their subjective interpretations of these actions.

by Martha Morrison Dore Human Behavior and the Social Environment: Theories for Social Work Practice Bruce A. Thyer, Catherine N. Dulmus, and Karen M. Sowers, Editors Chapter 11 Family Systems Theory by Martha Morrison Dore General systems theory (GST) has most directly informed the development of family systems theory. A system is an entity composed of elements in interaction to achieve a specified purpose of goal. A family system refers to the application of GST to work with understanding and intervening with families. Social worker Virginia Satir (1916–1988) helped develop the approach of family systems theory and she remains a very influential figure in family therapy.

by Martha Morrison Dore Human Behavior and the Social Environment: Theories for Social Work Practice Bruce A. Thyer, Catherine N. Dulmus, and Karen M. Sowers, Editors Chapter 11 Family Systems Theory by Martha Morrison Dore Murray Bowen developed the concepts of: Differentiation—The capacity of an individual for individuation from others and the employment of thinking over feeling as a basis for action. Multigenerational transmission of nuclear family processes—Whereby it was held that an individual’s level of differentiation was always reflective of that of his or her parents. Triangulation—Where conflict between two family members is diverted by involving a third party, either another family member or an outside, such as a therapist.

by Martha Morrison Dore Human Behavior and the Social Environment: Theories for Social Work Practice Bruce A. Thyer, Catherine N. Dulmus, and Karen M. Sowers, Editors Chapter 11 Family Systems Theory by Martha Morrison Dore The early focus of social work was on families as the unit of change and family-centered practice has remained an important theme in professional social work practice. One very positive influence of family systems theory has been a reduction in “family blaming” and an enhancement of using parents and other family members as integral components to help bring about changes in the functioning of individual family members and of the family as a whole. The development of family preservation services in the United States was promoted by family systems theory, which advocated for attempting to enhance the functioning of at-risk families rather than immediately removing a child from their home.

by Martha Morrison Dore Human Behavior and the Social Environment: Theories for Social Work Practice Bruce A. Thyer, Catherine N. Dulmus, and Karen M. Sowers, Editors Chapter 11 Family Systems Theory by Martha Morrison Dore Assessment using family systems theory involves the principle of circular causality, not linear causality. Assessment is about identifying the rules that structure family interactions through predictable patterns. This is done by repeatedly observing families as a whole. Individual interviews are rarely used, in terms of interviewing all members of a family together. Assessment may make use of ecomaps (see also Chapter 9), a visual depiction of the family in relation to the variety of individuals, organizations, and institutions to which it is related, or fails to relate, in the larger social environment. Genograms are another visual tool used to depict families in their environments. Sometimes standardized rapid assessment instruments are employed for assessment purposes, such as the Family Assessment Device or the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales.