General Systems and transgenerational concepts

Question 1

What two models was family therapy derived from

Answer 1

General systems theory and cybernetics

Question 2

Who was Ludwig von Bertalanaffy

Answer 2

father of general systems theory

Question 3

WHat are the fundamental concepts of general systems theory

Answer 3

System is more than a sum of its parts and self regulates with mutually dependent subsystems

Question 4

Father of cybernetics

Answer 4

Gregory Bateson

Question 5

Main parts of cybernetics

Answer 5

Self-correcting systems through feedback

Positive & negative feedback loops

Question 6

Isomorphism

Answer 6

family systems operate on the same principles as other systems

Question 7

What is A thing that connects and maintains a set of interrelated elements, and which exhibits coherent behaviors

Answer 7

system

Question 8

Boundaries

Answer 8

Lines of demarcation in a family that define a system as an entity. they separate subsystems from one another. They Separate system from environment

Question 9

subsystems of a family examples

Answer 9

couple children parent-child

Question 10

society in which system operates

Answer 10

suprasystem

Question 11

Property of a boundary that can never completely block what’s on the outside

Answer 11

Semipermeable

Question 12

selectivity of boundaries

Answer 12

Resistant (to some extent) to the introduction of outside matter, energy, or information

Question 13

open system

Answer 13

a system that interacts freely with the environment

Question 14

A system that is more isolated and resist such interaction

Answer 14

closed system

Question 15

system structure definition

Answer 15

Aspects of a system that are relatively static or enduring
Structures can be influenced by a variety of events
Structure is based in perspective of observer

Question 16

Circular/Mutual Causality (Recursiveness)

Answer 16

The relationship between what A & B do or feel mutually influences one another in a recursive relationship

Question 17

Linear Causality

Answer 17

an event at one time causes another to occur at a later time

Question 18

System’s tendency to break down
Over time, threatens the survival of the system

Answer 18

Entropy

Question 19

Negative entropy

Answer 19

Systemic state that emerges when a system is balanced between openness and closedness. Info is allowed to enter the system . Change can occur when appropriate

Question 20

Equifinality

Answer 20

System can reach a certain end state from a variety of different sources, conditions, and means or from different initial states

Question 21

Different end states can occur from the same initial conditions

Answer 21

Equipotentiality/ Multifinality

Question 22

Homeostasis

Answer 22

Tendency of a system to resist change and maintain a steady state
Maintained by negative feedback loops
(cybernetics Don Jackson)

Question 23

morphogenesis

Answer 23

System’s tendency toward growth, creativity, change, & innovation. Amplifying (positive) feedback loops . Bring values of behaviors into new ranges

Question 24

feedback loops

Answer 24

Self-correcting mechanisms by which families attempt to adjust deviations from established patterns and maintain its organizational integrity
Feedback occurs from outside system
Input occurs from within system

Question 25

Negative Feedback Loops/Attenuating

Answer 25

Negative feedback loops stabilize
Attempts to keep system at a steady state
Provides balance by controlling the system’s behavior within previously defined limits
Ex: Thermostat
Ex: When child’s behavior exceeds a limit, parent reacts to bring behavior back to “baseline”;

Question 26

Positive Feedback Loops/Attenuating

Answer 26

Positive feedback loops de-stabilize
Supports growth and change
Attempt to change the system from its steady state to a new steady state of balance

Question 27

Isomorphism

Answer 27

When 2 or more systems exhibit similar or parallel structures
Patterns can be repeated from one level of a system to another

Question 28

Communication theory

Answer 28

Communication is verbal and non-verbal

Question 29

proxemics

Answer 29

spatial relations (body language, stance, physical distance)

Question 30

streptic communication

Answer 30

: sounds (whistles, claps, etc)

Question 31

haptic

Answer 31

(symbolic) communication: touch

Question 32

paralinguistic

Answer 32

not WHAT you say, but THE WAY you say it.”

Question 33

kinestetic

Answer 33

communication: body motion

Question 34

Content

Answer 34

WHAT is being talked about

Question 35

process

Answer 35

how conversation occurs- meta-communication, tone, body lang….How we communicate

Question 36

Open system

Answer 36

System that is engaged in continuous in/out flow of energy/information with environment
Capacity for autonomous activity

Question 37

Communication in systems

Answer 37

The way systems maintain themselves

Question 38

what are goals of systemic therapy

Answer 38

To change interactional patterns to decrease problems and symptoms.

Question 39

equifinality

Answer 39

the property of allowing or having the same effect or result from different events.