GenergGeneral Systems Theory Flashcards
System
a unit bonded by interrelated elements and which exhibits coherent behaviors
Morphogenesis
The tendency in a system’s growth, creativity, change, and innovation
Negative Entropy
A systemic state that emerges when a system is balanced between openness and closeness
Metaphor
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
Isomorphism
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.
Morphostasis
tendency for towards stability and staying the same
Open Systems
Interact with the environment with relatively no inhibition
Homeostasis
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.
Process
Dynamics that are changing in the system. distinction between process (how something is done) vs content (what is being said)
Recursivness
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
Feedback Loops
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.
Family model/Map
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.
Ripple Effect
Change in one level of the system will result in changes across levels of the system
Structures
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.
Familial Boundary
Term used to represent the concept of boundary interface
Equipotentiality
The same initial conditions (two siblings being abused) can end in different end states (one is depressed and one is okay)
Equifinality
People can reach the same end state from a variety of different sources. Ex. Depression from abuse, or depression from genetics
Entropy
System’s tendency to break down which over time threatens the survival of the system
Closed systems
More isolated and resistant to interactions with the environment
Boundary Interface
Regions between each subsystem of the family and between the family and the supra system,
Circular Causality
Things mutually influence one another in a recursive circular relationship as opposed to linear causality.
Boundaries
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.
Attenuating/Negative Feedback Loops
Reduce change in an existing homeostasis
Amplifying. Positive Feedback Loops
Increase change in a family’s homeostasis. they hope to change the system from one steady state to a new steady state.
