Common Systems Models / Work-Life Balancing Flashcards
Define a system and explain its characteristics:
- a system is a collection of parts that interacts to function as a whole
- distinguished from its environment and it affects its environment
- parts are coherently organized around some purpose and they continually affect each other over time
Describe/explain; General Systems Theory key concepts
- phenomena can be viewed as a web of dynamic, complex relationships among elements
- systems have common patterns, behaviours, and properties
- the focus is on how it processes inputs and outputs
What is the main difference between human systems and other types of systems (ex. environment) ? (GST)
Human systems are self-reflective, self-aware, and self-monitoring
Describe/explain; Family Systems Theory 6 key concepts
- Families are made up of interdependent components (individuals, subsystems) that affect each other, and that have inputs that are transformed into outputs
- Inputs (food, goods, information, etc.) are transformed into outputs (behaviours of family members, garbage, contributions in the workplace, socialized offspring, etc.)
- Boundaries serve as an interface between the family and its environment, they have varying degrees of permeability
- Explicit and implicit rules prescribe all aspects of family member interactions and reflect repeated patterns
- Family systems resist change, their ability to adapt to change is a reflection of their development
- Families strive to achieve constantly changing system and individual level goals
Define; mutual influence (FST)
all members in a system are affected by a change in one member
Describe how and why family systems function as feedback mechanisms
- there is negative feedback (discourages change, restores equilibrium/homeostatis) and positive feedback (encourages change)
- Families self-regulate and self-correct in order to maintain balance
Define; Equifinality (FST)
The ability of a system to achieve a goal through different means or routes
What are the characteristics of an adaptable family system?
- flexibility
- high amount of available resources
- good communication between members
- lack of conflict and tension
Define/explain; Nonsummativity (FST)
We cannot learn how whole systems work by analyzing each of its components in isolation
What are the three levels of suprasystems in the Family Systems Theory?
family to neighbourhood to community
Describe/explain; the key concepts of ecological approach to family health
- Family receives and interprets health messages for its members and family members often resemble each other in terms of health
- By changing one member in a family you can positively affect the whole family system
- Individual behaviour is shaped and reinforced by mutual and dynamic interactions at multiple levels within one’s physical & social surroundings
Why does the ecological approach to family health see the family as the central focus in health promotion?
- the family has traditionally been the first and among the most important of healthcare givers because it nurtures, cares for, protects, and teaches its members
- family is seen as the centre of a complex network of interconnected social system
Describe; the 5 levels of Bronfenbrenner’s Human Ecological Model
- The Microsystem
- microsystem; consists of small groups in which people interact face-to-face, most directly affects the quality of life through relationships with individuals, different for each family member, ex. for small children it might include daytime caregivers - The Mesosystem
- mesosystem; the daily/ regular social interactions and relationships between 2 or more groups of which the individual is a member, the quality of the connections can be weak/strong, positive/negative - The Exosystem
- exosystem; a setting in which individuals do not take an active part, but which has an effect on them through the mesosystem and microsystem, these external pressures and forces are made up of large scale social institutions, ex. programs, policies and regulations - The Macrosystem
- macrosystem; a society’s ideology and culture, the shared beliefs and ways of doings things that are the basis on which policy decisions are made - Chronosystem
- The multiple environments that affect an individual over time, as well as our individual human development
What are the three subsystems that Kieren, Vaines , & Badir say make up the model of any profession?
- PHILOSOPHY; the goal or mission of the profession
- CONTENT; the body of knowledge that makes up the foundation of the profession
- PRACTICE; applying the content through personal characteristic, service delivery skills, and role competencies
What are some personal approaches to maintaining work-life balance?
- Time-shifting and mindfulness
- Alternating between periods of intense activity and relaxation, even briefly, can be incredibly renewing - Setting goals
- Cognitive reframing and building resilience
- Taking care of ourselves
- Asking for help