3 - Basic Concepts Phase 1

Question 1

From intra-psychic to interpersonal

Answer 1

• ppl are products of their contexts
• systemic suggests that family dynamics change so individual identity and experience change too
• problems and pathologies - viewed as coming from interpersonal processes
• early promotions promoted the idea that problems arise if offered gains from members of the family
• system theory - stresses the interdependence of action in families and relationships
• each person influences the other and their response in turn influences them, which influences the first person’s response.

Question 2

Circularities

Answer 2

• Watzlawick coined the term circularities to capture the essentially repetitive patterns of interaction - this fundamental shift showed how relationship difficulties had been explained before. The question of looking for a starting point is seen as unproductive.
• useful to therapists
• Bateson - linear view of world is a poor example because it fails to account for comm and rels.

Linear explanations - invariant personality traits. Some traits are more associated to one gender than the other ex: women are more demanding. Cycles are shaped by dominant cultural gender roles.

Linear causality - a linear explanation of problems translates to: a influences b, but b doesn’t influence a. A is what causes b. Problems are caused by individual through beliefs, biology, emotions and solutions are then created by individuals changing their beliefs etc or their response to the factors created.

Circular causality - a influences b, b also influences a - the cycle is ongoing.

Question 3

Triads, triangulations and conflict detouring

Answer 3

• the explorations of triads ( 3 person interactions ). Helped shaped the idea of how twin concepts of closed and open systems could operate side by side in a way that overall stability or homeostasis could be preserved.

Ex: escalating conflict (open system) in a pair might be toned down by the involvement of a 3rd person. This dynamic could therefore preserve stability (closed system).

Meta-communication
2 levels of comm - surface level (content level) and at meta-communication level (qualifying level)

Question 4

Rules, patterns and process

Answer 4

• rules in family
• implicit rules - observed by therapists etc
• patterns identified gives families insights on their functioning

Open system - allows continuous flow of info to and from the outside world
Closed system - rigid boundaries that are not easily crossed
- both patterns are needed for successful functioning

• open systems - change and adapt inside and outside the system. If the system is too open - it will destabilise and destroy itself
• closed systems - not adaptable to change and new demands
• a healthy system - instability can be caused by an open system.