Theories of Family Relations

Systems Theory
David Comp

1. Assumptions

1. The actions of one family member have an affect on other family members. This is due
to the fact that families operate as a group or unit and that all of the members are
interconnected. The manner in which an individual behaves is directly influenced by
their family. People are individuals but they are also a part of their families in some way.
Individuals do not live in isolation, they are part of family system. Basically, all parts of
the family system are interconnected and affect the each other.

2. Understanding individual behavior is only possible by studying the whole family, group
and/or system. Since individuals are interconnected with their family members we can
understand their behaviors by studying the other members of the family. It is best to take
a holistic approach to understanding individual behaviors. This holistic approach is
accomplished by looking at the family and how its members interrelate as a whole.

3. All systems affect their environment and, alternately, these systems are effected by their
environment. This assumption is based on the concept of feedback. All systems have a
form of feedback in their operations. When systems receive feedback they are able to use
it to make or not make changes within their own system. This assumption is very similar
to the assumption that all families are interconnected.

2. Concepts

1. Feedback: Feedback is also an assumption of systems theory. Feedback is the concept

that systems have an affect on their environment and vice versa. Systems make change
based on the positive feedback the receive from other systems in their environment.
Feedback that promotes change is known as positive feedback. Negative feedback is
intended to maintain the status quo and limit change.

2. Interdependence of parts: Interdependence of parts is the concept that parts of a system

are interconnected so that if one part of a system changes the other parts of that system
are also changed in some form. Also, when a system experiences change other systems
in the environment are affected.

3. Wholeness: Wholeness is basically the concept that the whole is greater than the sum of
all its parts. It is impossible to understand a family system by knowing all of its
members. One must view the entire family operating together as a whole system in order
to understand the dynamics of the family.
 4. Multiple Levels: This is the concept that systems are part of a larger system.
Suprasystems (community, culture, nation) and subsystems (individuals and families) are
interrelated and have and impact on each other

3. Propositions

1. One proposition of systems theory is called the homeostasis hypothesis. The homeostasis
hypothesis states that systems (families included) tend to be resistant to change and tend
toward homeostasis. Change can be very difficult for systems to do or to accept.

2. A second proposition of systems theory is that systems are embedded within other
systems. This is directly related to the concept of multiple levels. The individual is
within the family system which is within the neighborhood system (school district
system, work system) which is within the community system (government system,
economic system) which is within the national system and so on. The suprasystems and
subsystems are interrelated.

4. Applications

1. Family systems theory may be applied in family life education by helping families adopt
and accept change to their system. Most systems find it difficult to make changes.
Helping families learn to accept and expect changes in their lives can be of great benefit
to a family. By becoming comfortable with change(s) a family may experience less
stress as a result of change. This could lead to a healthier family system.

2. In family therapy, systems theory may be used by the clinician to facilitate discussion
about the affect one individual’s behaviors have on the entire family system. By
encouraging this type of discussion, family members may express their feelings about
how the specific behavior affects them and the family. The individual may not realize
how their behavior impacts the family system and this type of positive feedback from the
family may have an impact and change the behavior.

3. Systems theory may also be implemented in family therapy by meeting the family as a
whole. By studying the family as they interact as a group will give valuable insights to
the therapist regarding the family dynamics. The therapist may have the entire family
involved in a formal therapy session (therapists office) but they may also view the family
system in an informal setting (the family, interacting while playing a game, waiting in the
lobby prior to the session).

5. Critique

1. One of the criticisms of family systems theory is that it is model and not a theory. Many
also believe that the concepts are more methodological than theoretical. However, others
argue that whether or not systems theory is actually a theory depends on how one views
science. Systems theorists do not necessarily follow the rules of traditional science. They
tend to take a more constructivist position. The constructivist viewpoint is that different
models may be used to explain different phenomena. They just have a less competitive
 approach to theory. I believe that systems theory is in fact a theory and contributes to
science.

2. Systems theory appears to provide a solid basis of understanding individual and family
behaviors. I agree with the assumptions of this theory. We are involved in many systems
in our lives and they are all interrelated. To better understand an individual or a family we
must view them in relation to the entire system. Only then can we develop a better
understanding. However, critics believe that systems theory is too general to be applied to
understanding the individual and/or their family.

6. Additional References

Burr, W.R. Using theories in family science. Chapter 5. pp. 73-88 (class handout).

Klein, D.M., & White, J.M. (1996). Family theories: An introduction. Thousand Oaks,
CA: Sage Publications, Inc.

Olson, D.H., & DeFrain, J. (1997). Marriage and the family: Diversity and strengths.
(2nd ed.) Mountain View, CA: Mayfield Publishing Company.

Tan, G.G., Ray, M.P., & Cate, R. (1991). Migrant farm child abuse and neglect within an
ecosystem framework. Family Relations 40, 84-89.

Walsh, F. (1993). Conceptualization of normal family processes. In F. Walsh (Ed.)

Normal Family Processes (2nd ed.) (pp. 3-69). New York: The Guilford Press.