Bateson & General Systems Theory

Question 1

Bateson (Cybernetics) /General Systems Theory:

Audio File: 10

Answer 1

Primary Contributors

Much of the field of Family Therapy is grounded in the theoretical work by Gregory Bateson, a cultural anthropologist involved with the MRI Group in Palo Alto throughout the 1960s. Despite never working directly with clients, Bateson’s integrated Human Communications Processes Model informs many approaches to working with families. His theory includes conceps borrowed from Cybernetics (Norbert Weiner) and General Systems Theory (Ludwig Von Bertalanffy)

Key Concepts from Cybernetics

A System:
Amplifying or Positive Feedback Loops:  
Attenuating or Negative Feedback Loops: 
Boundaries:  
Boundary Interface: 
Circular Causality:  
Closed Systems: 
Entropy:   
Equifinality:   
Equipotentiality:  
Familial Boundary:  
Family Models/Maps:  
Feedback Loops: 
Homeostasis:
Isomorphism:  
Metaphor:  
Morphogenesis: 
Morphostasis:
Negative Entropy:  
Open Systems:
Process: 
Recursiveness:  
Ripple Effect: 
Structures:

Question 2

A System:

Answer 2

Bateson (Cybernetics) /General Systems Theory:

A unit bounded by a set of interrelated elements and which exhibits coherent behaviors.

Question 3

Morphogenesis:

Answer 3

Bateson (Cybernetics) /General Systems Theory:

Describes a system’s tendency toward growth, creativity, change, and innovation.

Question 4

Negative Entropy:

Answer 4

Bateson (Cybernetics) /General Systems Theory:

A systemic state that emerges when a system is balanced between openness and closeness.

Question 5

Metaphor:

Answer 5

Bateson (Cybernetics) /General Systems Theory:
This is a symbolic representation that captures the basic and essential features of an object or event by using a description of a different category of objects or events

Question 6

Isomorphism:

Answer 6

Bateson (Cybernetics) /General Systems Theory:
This is a phenomenon in which two or more systems or subsystems exhibit similar or parallel structures. For example, a therapist seeing a family that starts showing up late to sessions will similarly begin showing up late to supervision to discuss the case.

Question 7

Morphostasis:

Answer 7

Bateson (Cybernetics) /General Systems Theory:

This describes a system’s tendency towards stability and staying the same.

Question 8

Open Systems:

Answer 8

Bateson (Cybernetics) /General Systems Theory:

Interact regularly with the environment with relatively no inhibition.

Question 9

Homeostasis:

Answer 9

Bateson (Cybernetics) /General Systems Theory:
This refers to the tendency of a system to resist change and maintain dynamic equilibrium or a steady state. This is maintained by negative feedback and input loops.

Question 10

Process:

Answer 10

Bateson (Cybernetics) /General Systems Theory:
This refers to dynamic aspects that are changing within the system. Often, family therapists make the distinction between process (how something is said) and content (what is being said).

Question 11

Recursiveness:

Answer 11

Bateson (Cybernetics) /General Systems Theory:
This refers to reciprocal or circular causality. Rather than viewing an element in a vacuum devoid of interactions between its environment and its own system’s levels or subsystems, recursiveness speaks to the mutual interaction and influence that occur between people, vents, and their ecosystem.

Question 12

Feedback Loops:

Answer 12

Bateson (Cybernetics) /General Systems Theory:
These are at the core of the cybernetics model. They are the self-correcting mechanisms which serve to govern families attempt to adjust variation from customary patterns and maintain its organizational sameness (homeostasis).

Question 13

Family Models/Maps:

Answer 13

Bateson (Cybernetics) /General Systems Theory:
Individuals and the system at large will consciously or unconsciously use models or maps meant to manage their boundaries and make sense of their individual and shared realities.

Question 14

Ripple Effect:

Answer 14

Bateson (Cybernetics) /General Systems Theory:
This refers to how a change that occurs at one level of a system will result in changes across other levels of the system.

Question 15

Structures:

Answer 15

Bateson (Cybernetics) /General Systems Theory:
These are aspects of a system that are universal across systems, in that all systems have a structure to them. Structures can be adapted, changed, and influenced by a variety of events as well as intentionally through therapeutic intervention. Although all systems will have a structure, there is no one universal structure or set or measure of objective quality of structure. Structure is defined subjectively by the observers.

Question 16

Familial Boundary:

Answer 16

Bateson (Cybernetics) /General Systems Theory:

The term used to represent the concept of Boundary Interface mentioned above within the literature of family therapies.

Question 17

Equipotentiality:

Answer 17

Bateson (Cybernetics) /General Systems Theory:
This refers to the notion that different end states can occur from the same initial conditions. Similar events (e.g. natural disaster) can turn into depression or trauma as well as growth or happiness.

Question 18

Equifinality:

Answer 18

Bateson (Cybernetics) /General Systems Theory:
This is the idea that an organism or system can reach a certain end state from a variety of different sources, conditions, and means or from different initial states. For example, Generalized Anxiety Disorder may stem from a biological imbalance, trauma, or free-will.

Question 19

Entropy:

Answer 19

Bateson (Cybernetics) /General Systems Theory:

This refers to a system’s tendency to break down which, over time, threatens the survival of the system.

Question 20

Closed Systems:

Answer 20

Bateson (Cybernetics) /General Systems Theory:

Are more isolated and resistant to interactions with the environment.

Question 21

Boundary Interface:

Answer 21

Bateson (Cybernetics) /General Systems Theory:

Regions between each subsystem of the family and between the family and the suprasystem.

Question 22

Circular Causality:

Answer 22

Bateson (Cybernetics) /General Systems Theory:
In determining the origins of problems, General Systems Theory departs radically from traditional, linear causality. This is different than linear causality and acknowledged that two things do, say, or feel mutually influence one another in a recursive, circular relationship.

Question 23

Boundaries:

Answer 23

Bateson (Cybernetics) /General Systems Theory:
These are theoretical lines of demarcation in a family that define a system as an entity and separate the subsystems from one another and the system from its environment.

Question 24

Attenuating or Negative Feedback Loops:

Answer 24

Bateson (Cybernetics) /General Systems Theory:

These reduce change in an existing homeostasis.

Question 25

Amplifying or Positive Feedback Loops:

Answer 25

Bateson (Cybernetics) /General Systems Theory:
These increase change in a family’s homeostasis (morphogenesis). They attempt to change these systems from its steady state to a new steady state or balance.