GenergGeneral Systems Theory

Question 1

System

Answer 1

a unit bonded by interrelated elements and which exhibits coherent behaviors

Question 2

Morphogenesis

Answer 2

The tendency in a system’s growth, creativity, change, and innovation

Question 3

Negative Entropy

Answer 3

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

Question 4

Metaphor

Answer 4

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 5

Isomorphism

Answer 5

When two or more systems or subsystems exhibit similar or parallel structures. Ex. A therapist starts showing up late to a session similarily shows up late to supervision.

Question 6

Morphostasis

Answer 6

tendency for towards stability and staying the same

Question 7

Open Systems

Answer 7

Interact with the environment with relatively no inhibition

Question 8

Homeostasis

Answer 8

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 9

Process

Answer 9

Dynamics that are changing in the system. distinction between process (how something is done) vs content (what is being said)

Question 10

Recursivness

Answer 10

reciprocal or circular causality. Things do not happen in a vacuum devoid of interactions between its environment and its own system. The mutual interaction and influence that occurs between people, events, and their ecosystems

Question 11

Feedback Loops

Answer 11

Core of cybernetic model. They’re self-correcting mechanisms that serve to govern families’ attempt to adjust variation from usual patterns and maintain its organizational sameness.

Question 12

Family model/Map

Answer 12

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 13

Ripple Effect

Answer 13

Change in one level of the system will result in changes across levels of the system

Question 14

Structures

Answer 14

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 15

Familial Boundary

Answer 15

Term used to represent the concept of boundary interface

Question 16

Equipotentiality

Answer 16

The same initial conditions (two siblings being abused) can end in different end states (one is depressed and one is okay)

Question 17

Equifinality

Answer 17

People can reach the same end state from a variety of different sources. Ex. Depression from abuse, or depression from genetics

Question 18

Entropy

Answer 18

System’s tendency to break down which over time threatens the survival of the system

Question 19

Closed systems

Answer 19

More isolated and resistant to interactions with the environment

Question 20

Boundary Interface

Answer 20

Regions between each subsystem of the family and between the family and the supra system,

Question 21

Circular Causality

Answer 21

Things mutually influence one another in a recursive circular relationship as opposed to linear causality.

Question 22

Boundaries

Answer 22

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 23

Attenuating/Negative Feedback Loops

Answer 23

Reduce change in an existing homeostasis

Question 24

Amplifying. Positive Feedback Loops

Answer 24

Increase change in a family’s homeostasis. they hope to change the system from one steady state to a new steady state.