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System theory terms Flashcards

1
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2
Q

What is a System?

A

A set of interacting or interdependent components forming an integrated whole.

Example: A family unit where each member’s behavior affects the others.

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3
Q

What is a Subsystem?

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A smaller component of a larger system.

Example: The parental subsystem within a family.

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4
Q

What is a Suprasystem?

A

A larger system that encompasses subsystems.

Example: The extended family or community that influences the nuclear family.

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5
Q

What is Interdependence?

A

The mutual reliance between two or more groups.

Example: Spouses relying on each other for emotional support.

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6
Q

What is Mutual Influence?

A

The reciprocal effect that entities have on each other.

Example: A child’s behavior affecting parental discipline strategies and vice versa.

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7
Q

What is Holism?

A

The idea that systems should be viewed as wholes, not just as a collection of parts.

Example: Considering the entire family dynamic rather than focusing on an individual’s issue.

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8
Q

What are Emergent Properties?

A

Characteristics of a system that arise from the interaction of its parts.

Example: Family resilience emerging from collective coping strategies.

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9
Q

What is Hierarchy?

A

The arrangement of systems and subsystems in a ranked order.

Example: The authority structure within a family, such as parents over children.

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10
Q

What is Morphogenesis?

A

The process through which a system changes its structure.

Example: A family adapting to a new member, like a newborn.

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11
Q

What is Morphostasis?

A

The process through which a system maintains its structure.

Example: A family maintaining routines despite external changes.

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12
Q

What is 1st Order Change?

A

Change that occurs within a system without altering its structure.

Example: Adjusting bedtime routines without changing overall parenting style.

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13
Q

What is 2nd Order Change?

A

Change that alters the fundamental structure of a system.

Example: Shifting from authoritarian to democratic parenting.

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14
Q

What is Entropy?

A

The tendency of systems to move towards disorder.

Example: A family experiencing increasing conflict and disorganization.

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15
Q

What is Negentropy?

A

The process of a system becoming more organized.

Example: A family implementing new communication strategies to reduce conflict.

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16
Q

What is Isomorphism?

A

Similarity in the structure or processes of different systems.

Example: Similar patterns of conflict resolution in both the family and workplace.

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17
Q

What is Autopoiesis?

A

The ability of a system to reproduce and maintain itself.

Example: A family maintaining its identity and functioning over time.

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18
Q

What are Echelons?

A

Levels or ranks within a system.

Example: Different roles within a family, such as parents, children, and grandparents.

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19
Q

What are Boundaries?

A

The limits that define a system and distinguish it from other systems.

Example: The rules that separate family time from work time.

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20
Q

What is Inclusion?

A

The act of including elements within a system.

Example: Welcoming a new spouse into the family.

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21
Q

What is Exclusion?

A

The act of excluding elements from a system.

Example: Setting boundaries to keep work stress out of family interactions.

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22
Q

What is Environment?

A

The external context within which a system operates.

Example: The community and cultural context influencing family values.

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23
Q

What is Permeability?

A

The degree to which a system allows elements to enter or leave.

Example: A family open to new ideas and influences from the outside.

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24
Q

What is an Impermeable Boundary?

A

A boundary that does not allow elements to pass through.

Example: A family that isolates itself from external influences.

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25
What is an Amorphous (transparent) Boundary?
A boundary that is not clearly defined. ## Footnote Example: Unclear rules about family roles and responsibilities.
26
What is a Rigid Boundary?
A boundary that is inflexible and does not easily change. ## Footnote Example: Strict rules that do not adapt to changing family needs.
27
What is a Diffuse Boundary?
A boundary that is not clearly defined and is flexible. ## Footnote Example: Blurred lines between parental and child roles.
28
What is a Clear Boundary?
A boundary that is well-defined and understood. ## Footnote Example: Clear rules about bedtime and homework.
29
What is a Disengaged System?
A system with weak or minimal connections between its parts. ## Footnote Example: Family members who are emotionally distant from each other.
30
What is an Enmeshed System?
A system with overly strong connections between its parts. ## Footnote Example: Family members who are overly involved in each other’s lives.
31
What is Input?
Resources or information that enter a system. ## Footnote Example: New information from a family therapy session.
32
What is Output?
The result or product that comes out of a system. ## Footnote Example: Improved communication skills after therapy.
33
What are Matter, Energy, Information?
The basic elements that flow through systems. ## Footnote Example: Emotional support and advice exchanged within a family.
34
What is Boundary Ambiguity?
Uncertainty about where the boundaries of a system lie. ## Footnote Example: Confusion about roles after a divorce.
35
What is Equifinality?
The principle that different paths can lead to the same outcome. ## Footnote Example: Different parenting styles leading to well-adjusted children.
36
What is Equipotentiality?
The principle that the same initial conditions can lead to different outcomes. ## Footnote Example: Siblings raised in the same environment having different life paths.
37
What is a Feedback Loop?
A process where the output of a system is fed back into the system as input. ## Footnote Example: Positive reinforcement encouraging continued good behavior.
38
What is a Negative Feedback Loop?
A feedback loop that reduces the output of a system. ## Footnote Example: Corrective feedback reducing undesirable behavior.
39
What is Homeostasis?
The tendency of a system to maintain internal stability. ## Footnote Example: A family maintaining routines to provide stability.
40
What is Calibration?
The process of adjusting a system to function correctly. ## Footnote Example: Adjusting family rules to better meet everyone’s needs.
41
What is Error-actuated?
A process that is triggered by errors or deviations from a desired state. ## Footnote Example: Addressing misbehavior to restore family harmony.
42
What is a Positive Feedback Loop?
A feedback loop that amplifies the output of a system. ## Footnote Example: Escalating arguments leading to increased family conflict.
43
What is a Constancy Loop?
A feedback loop that maintains a constant state within a system. ## Footnote Example: Consistent routines providing stability for children.
44
What is a Variety Loop?
A feedback loop that introduces variability into a system. ## Footnote Example: Trying new activities to keep family life dynamic.
45
What is a Mobile Metaphor?
A metaphor describing the dynamic and interconnected nature of systems. ## Footnote Example: A change in one family member’s behavior affecting the entire family.
46
What is the Individual Ripple Effect?
The impact of an individual's actions on the larger system. ## Footnote Example: One family member’s stress affecting the whole family’s mood.
47
What does Individual Symptom = Family Symptom mean?
The concept that an individual's issues reflect the larger system's issues. ## Footnote Example: A child’s acting out reflecting marital conflict.
48
What are Member Patterns of Interaction?
The recurring ways in which members of a system interact. ## Footnote Example: Regular family dinners fostering communication.
49
What are Roles/Rules/Boundaries/Values/Norms?
The elements that define and regulate a system. ## Footnote Example: Family rules about respect and chores.
50
What is an Open System?
A system that interacts with its environment. ## Footnote Example: A family that engages with the community.
51
What is a Closed System?
A system that does not interact with its environment. ## Footnote Example: A family that isolates itself from external influences.
52
What is a Purposive System?
A system that has a specific purpose or goal. ## Footnote Example: A family working together to achieve financial stability.
53
What is an Adaptive System?
A system that can change in response to its environment. ## Footnote Example: A family adapting to a new cultural environment.
54
What is Recursion?
The repeated application of a process within a system. ## Footnote Example: Repeated family meetings to address ongoing issues.
55
What is Reciprocity?
Mutual exchange within a system. ## Footnote Example: Parents and children supporting each other emotionally.
56
What are Redundant Patterns?
Repetitive behaviors or processes within a system. ## Footnote Example: Repeated arguments about the same issues.
57
What does Present Centered mean?
Focusing on the current state of a system. ## Footnote Example: Addressing current family dynamics rather than past issues.
58
What is Shared Responsibility?
The distribution of responsibility among members of a system. ## Footnote Example: Family members sharing household chores.
59
What is Process vs. Content?
The distinction between how something is done (process) and what is done (content). ## Footnote Example: Focusing on how family members communicate rather than the topic of discussion.
60
What does 1+1=3 mean?
The idea that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. ## Footnote Example: The combined efforts of family members leading to greater success.

MFT EXAM GUIDE (2 decks)

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