Theoretical - Systems Theory

Question 1

Systems Theory

Views family how? (2)

Answer 1

• Viewing family as a unit

• a complex of elements
in
mutual interaction (mobile)

Question 2

Systems Theory - how is each family member viewed?

Answer 2

As both a subsystem and a system in his/her own right

Question 3

An individual system is both?

As is a…

Answer 3

a part and a whole

as is a family

Question 4

Systems Theory - concepts (5)

SS CCC

Answer 4

• 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.

Question 5

Systems Theory - The family system is part of a larger suprasystem and is composed of many subsystems. (4)

Answer 5

• Individual = complex system composed of various subsystems (physical and psychological)
• Relational subsystems = parent-child, marital, sibling
• Intangible subsystems = beliefs, expectations, roles
• Suprasystem = neighbourhood, community

Question 6

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?

Answer 6

Permeability of boundaries

Question 7

The family system is part of a larger suprasystem and is composed of many subsystems.
*
Boundaries must be both?

Answer 7

permeable and limiting

Question 8

The family system is part of a larger suprasystem and is composed of many subsystems.
*
Too permeable = ?

Answer 8

the system loses identity and integrity (ex - members too open to input from the outside environment)

Question 9

The family system is part of a larger suprasystem and is composed of many subsystems.
*
Too closed = ?

Answer 9

necessary interaction with the larger world is shut off

Question 10

Systems Theory - The family as a whole is greater than the sum of its parts. (3)
YOC

Answer 10

• 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.

Question 11

Systems Theory - A change in one family member affects all family members… r/t “considering the impact of illness on families.

Answer 11

With illness, all family members are affected and the organization and functioning of the family changes.

Question 12

Systems Theory - The family is able to create a balance b/w change and stability.(2!!)

Answer 12

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.

Question 13

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)

Answer 13

EITHER
Polarized in maintaining rigid equilibrium
OR
In a phase of too much change

Question 14

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?

Answer 14

Find ways to obtain a more equal balance b/w the phenomena of stability and change.

Question 15

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?

Answer 15

observe for patterns

Question 16

Systems Theory - Family members’ behaviours are best understood from a view of circular rather than linear causality.
*
Describe linear causality (3)
RAH!

Answer 16

• 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

Question 17

Systems Theory - Family members’ behaviours are best understood from a view of circular rather than linear causality.
*
Describe circular causality (2)

Answer 17

• Each individual’s behaviour has an effect on and influences the other individual’s behaviour.
• A > B > A

Question 18

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?

Answer 18

Descriptive characteristics

“Is the father fearful of another heart attack?”

Question 19

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?

Answer 19

Interactional characteristics

“Who is most worried about Sunil having another heart attack?”

Question 20

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

Answer 20

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?”

Question 21

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?

Answer 21

The basic source of all information and consequent knowledge.

Question 22

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?

Answer 22

That each person contributes to adaptive and maladaptive interaction.

Question 23

Normally families and their individual members need help to?

This shift is only possible if?

Answer 23

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.