GENERAL SYSTEMS THEORY Ludwig von Bertalanffy (1950), born in 1901 died in 1972, argued for investigation into

dynamic interaction into the internal and external relations of organization across various scientific disciplines, for example, biology, psychology, sociology and economics. Von Bertalanffy contrasted closed systems with constant components without inflow and outflow, and open systems changing components with inflow and outflow. Closed systems were steady due do the constancy of components and closure, whereas open systems could achieve a steady-state within constant change. Von Bertalanffy sought to describe various methods of change. Firstly, there was external direction towards a required final state. Secondly, there was internal structure determining processes and outcomes. Mechanistic feedback mechanisms regulating homeostasis were given by him as examples of this. Thirdly, there was open system interaction between organism and environment resulting in a steady-state. Fourthly, there were intelligent purposive processes and outcomes. The use of language was given by him as an example of this. Von Bertalanffys (1950) early statements upon general systems theory are worthy of close reading since these various strands of systemic thinking were later picked up and elaborated by others. Furthermore, this close reading of early primary sources attenuates against overstatements of the. Paley (2007:236) usefully notes that in the healthcare field there is little appreciation of their similarities and dissimilarities of various systemic theories, and that this results in much confusion.
Systems theory is the interdisciplinary study of systems in general, with the goal of elucidating principles [citation needed] that can be applied to all types of systems at all nesting levels in all fields of research. The term does not yet have a well-established, precise meaning, but systems theory can reasonably be considered a specialization of systems thinking, a generalization of systems science, a systems approach. The term originates from Bertalanffy's general system theory (GST) and is used in later efforts [1] in other fields, such as the action theory of Talcott Parsons and the social systems theory of Niklas Luhmann. In this context the word systems is used to refer specifically to self-regulating systems, i.e. that are selfcorrecting through feedback. Self-regulating systems are found in nature, including the physiological systems of our body, in local and global ecosystems, and in climateand in human learning processes Systems psychology is a branch of psychology that studies human behavior and experience in complex systems. It is inspired by systems theory and systems thinking, and based on the theoretical work of Roger Barker, Gregory Bateson, Humberto Maturana and others. It is an approach in psychology, in which groups and individuals are considered as systems in homeostasis. Systems psychology "includes the domain of engineering psychology, but in addition is more concerned with societal systems and with the study of motivational, affective, cognitive and group behavior than is engineering psychology." In systems psychology "characteristics of organizational behaviour for example individual needs, rewards, expectations, and attributes of the people interacting with the systems are considered in the process in order to create an effective system".

Concepts in General systems theory: 1. A system is a group of components that interact, such that a change in one component affects the other components and the system overall. Using systems theory or systems thinking provides an opportunity to look at the bigger picture and promotes treatment planning that ultimately can lead to higher levels of functioning. 2. Systems thinking is not new to nursing. The environment has been a major component of many nursing theories. 3. Two or more people together functioning interdependently form a group. Family is a specialized type of group. 4. Groups may be classified by membership as open or closed, by purpose as insight-oriented or supportive, and by setting as in-patient or out-patient. 5. Yalom identified eleven curative factors that are interdependent within a group hey are the central core necessary for group survival. 6. Cohesiveness in a group reflects the solidarity of the group. It is a curative factor essential for ensuring the effectiveness of group therapy. 7. A group progresses through three phases of development: orientation, working, and termination. 8. The group leader or facilitator assumes different roles depending on the phase of the groups development and in response to the members participation. 9. Group members can assume roles that keep the group on task and focused, that maintain the group, and that threaten curative factors and group functioning. 10. A psycho educational group is one example of a group led by psychiatric-mental health nurses prepared at the basic (generalist) level. 11. Family therapy is a specialized form of group therapy that focuses on the family as an open system to alter the interactions between or among members. 12. Key concepts associated with the Bowen Family Systems include: differentiation of self, emotional triangles, and multigenerational transmission of anxiety