1. Systems Theory Key Assumption Family Positions and Roles
Family Stages and Transitions
Stage-Critical Developmental Tasks

2. Family System: the individual members of a family, their relationships, and interactions. Key Assumption: Holism is key all parts of a system are interconnected, therefore a system must be understood as a whole and cannot be comprehended by examining its individual parts in isolation.
Systems Theory

3. Systems Theory Systems Interdependence and Mutual Influence
Hierarchy (suprasystems and subsystems)
Equifinality
Systems Theory

4. Systems Theory Systems Feedback and Control Loops
Interdependence and Mutual Influence
Hierarchy (suprasystems and subsystems)
Equifinality
Feedback and Control Loops
Equilibrium and Homeostasis
Negative Feedback (constancy loops)
Dampen or attenuate deviations
Morphostatic – rigid and inflexible
Positive Feedback (variety loops)
Amplify or support deviations
Morphogenetic – adjustable and flexible
Systems Theory

5. Feedback and Control Loops
Jack again compares goal and outcome more error!
Jack compares goal and outcome goal is met
Jack compares goal and outcome error
comparator
Jan throws tantrum
Jan falls asleep
Jan loses it! i
G-i=e e
Jan isn’t in bed and now
Is screaming like a banshee
Jan isn’t in bed!
Jan is in bed
G= “stop tantrum”
i= “Jan asleep”
e= “Jan not crying AND in bed”
G= “bed at 7pm”
i= “Jan’s tantrum”
e= “Jan not in bed”
Positive Loop
Closes!
Jack has to do something to get to the goal
Jack still has to do
something to end the tantrum R R
Jan wants door to stay open
Jan is comforted by the singing
Jan wants to stay up i
Jack decides to close door
Jack decides to hold Jan and sing
environment
Jack holds Jan and begins singing
Jack threatens to close the door
Jack puts Jan in bed i i
Jan likes to be held and sung to by daddy
Jan is scared when the door is closed
Jan needs to be in bed at 7pm
random noise

6. Systems Theory Systems Feedback and Control Loops Boundaries
Interdependence and Mutual Influence
Hierarchy (suprasystems and subsystems)
Equifinality
Feedback and Control Loops
Equilibrium and Homeostasis
Negative Feedback (constancy loops)
Positive Feedback (variety loops)
Morphogenic and morphostatic systems
Boundaries
Boundary Permeability
Inputs and Outputs
Systems Theory

7. Homeostasis The Environment Suprasystem Community Suprasystem
Impermeable Boundaries
Closed Systems
Amorphous Boundaries
Open Systems
Jarrett Family System
Beth Al
Jack
Jim
Homeostasis

8. Disequilibrium The Environment Suprasystem Jack Community Suprasystem
oldest son homeostatic force
is killed in a car accident, breaking the sibling subsystem.
Al’s depression changes the marital subsystem.
Dependence
Independence
Codependence
Interdependence
Community Suprasystem
Jarrett Family System
Beth Al
Jim
Disequilibrium

9. Morphogenetic Homeostasis
The Environment Suprasystem
Community Suprasystem
How would the two suprasystems affect the family’s response? ?
Are there situations you can imagine where suprasystems totally constrain a family’s response?
Jarrett Family System Al
Jim
Beth
Morphogenetic Homeostasis