Theoretical - Systems Theory Flashcards
Systems Theory
Views family how? (2)
• Viewing family as a unit
• a complex of elements
in
mutual interaction (mobile)
Systems Theory - how is each family member viewed?
As both a subsystem and a system in his/her own right
An individual system is both?
As is a…
a part and a whole
as is a family
Systems Theory - concepts (5)
SS CCC
- The family system is composed of many subsystems and is part of a larger suprasystem.
- The family as a whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
- A change in one family member affects all family members.
- The family is able to create a balance b/w change and stability.
- Family members’ behaviours are best understood from a view of circular rather than linear causality.
Systems Theory - The family system is part of a larger suprasystem and is composed of many subsystems. (4)
- Individual = complex system composed of various subsystems (physical and psychological)
- Relational subsystems = parent-child, marital, sibling
- Intangible subsystems = beliefs, expectations, roles
- Suprasystem = neighbourhood, community
The family system is part of a larger suprasystem and is composed of many subsystems.
*
Systems have boundaries. In addition, within family systems and their subsystems, nurses should assess?
Permeability of boundaries
The family system is part of a larger suprasystem and is composed of many subsystems.
*
Boundaries must be both?
permeable and limiting
The family system is part of a larger suprasystem and is composed of many subsystems.
*
Too permeable = ?
the system loses identity and integrity (ex - members too open to input from the outside environment)
The family system is part of a larger suprasystem and is composed of many subsystems.
*
Too closed = ?
necessary interaction with the larger world is shut off
Systems Theory - The family as a whole is greater than the sum of its parts. (3)
YOC
- You cannot understand the parts of a family unless you understand how the whole works.
- Observing interaction among family members often more fully explains individual family member functioning.
- Conceptualizing interaction between illness and family dynamics.
Systems Theory - A change in one family member affects all family members… r/t “considering the impact of illness on families.
With illness, all family members are affected and the organization and functioning of the family changes.
Systems Theory - The family is able to create a balance b/w change and stability.(2!!)
When a change occurs in a family, the disturbance can cause a shift to a new position of balance. The family reorganizes in a way that is different from any previous organization.
Systems Theory - The family is able to create a balance b/w change and stability.
*
When families are “stuck” or experiencing severe difficulties, they are usually (either/or)
EITHER
Polarized in maintaining rigid equilibrium
OR
In a phase of too much change
Systems Theory - The family is able to create a balance b/w change and stability.
*
When families are “stuck” or experiencing severe difficulties, they are usually either polarized in maintaining rigid equilibrium or in a phase of too much change.
*
Eventually, what does the family need to do?
Find ways to obtain a more equal balance b/w the phenomena of stability and change.
Systems Theory - Family members’ behaviours are best understood from a view of circular rather than linear causality.
*
One method of dealing with the massive amounts of data presented in a family interview is to?
observe for patterns
Systems Theory - Family members’ behaviours are best understood from a view of circular rather than linear causality.
*
Describe linear causality (3)
RAH!
• R’ship in which one event causes another.
• Heavily rooted in a framework of continuous progression of time.
• A affects B, B does not affect A
A - the clock strikes 6
B - a family routinely eats dinner
• A > B > C
Systems Theory - Family members’ behaviours are best understood from a view of circular rather than linear causality.
*
Describe circular causality (2)
- Each individual’s behaviour has an effect on and influences the other individual’s behaviour.
- A > B > A
Systems Theory - Family members’ behaviours are best understood from a view of circular rather than linear causality.
*
The application of these concepts in clinical practice affects the nurse’s style of questioning during a family interview.
*
Linear questions tend to explore…?
Example?
Descriptive characteristics
“Is the father fearful of another heart attack?”
Systems Theory - Family members’ behaviours are best understood from a view of circular rather than linear causality.
*
The application of these concepts in clinical practice affects the nurse’s style of questioning during a family interview.
*
Circular questions tend to explore…?
Example?
Interactional characteristics
“Who is most worried about Sunil having another heart attack?”
Systems Theory - Family members’ behaviours are best understood from a view of circular rather than linear causality.
*
The application of these concepts in clinical practice affects the nurse’s style of questioning during a family interview. Circular questions tend to explore interactional characteristics.
*
4 types of questions + example for each
THE BD
Exploring interactional characteristics
*
Difference questions
“Who is most worried about Sunil having another heart attack?”
*
Behavioural effect questions
“What do you do, Amal, when your wife’s pain becomes unbearable for you?”
*
Hypothetical or future-oriented questions
“What might you do in the future to prevent your elderly father from falling?”
*
Triadic questions
“When your Dad shows support for your sister, Sasha, how does that make you feel?”
Systems Theory - Family members’ behaviours are best understood from a view of circular rather than linear causality.
*
Differences b/w perceptions, objects, events, ideas, etc. are viewed as?
The basic source of all information and consequent knowledge.
Systems Theory - Family members’ behaviours are best understood from a view of circular rather than linear causality.
*
With regard to family member interaction, what is the assumption?
That each person contributes to adaptive and maladaptive interaction.
Normally families and their individual members need help to?
This shift is only possible if?
Move from a linear perspective of their situation to a more interactional/reciprocal systemic view.
Only possible if the nurse avoids linear thinking when attempting to understand family dynamics.
