FCHD 2400 C.

Beckert, PhD

Family Systems Theory: Notes from Power Point Presentation

1. About Family Systems Theory

2. Collection of individual interacting elements, each connected with each other.
3. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
4. Each relationship is a separate element as is each unit.
5. Each element of the system is of equal value.

6. Each element has impact on every other element.

7. One element cannot NOT have a relationship with another element.
8. No element should block or hinder the relationship between any two other elements. (keep
relationships clean)

9. The marriage is the primary relationship in the family system.

10. The family system functions according to its program, set of rules, and/or patterns.
11. The system resists change but can be changed. (seeks to maintain homeostasis)

12. It is valuable to look at “triangles” within the family system.

13. One element of the system can be altered by a change in another element of the system.
14. Feedback maintains the system’s functioning: modifying, maintaining, motivating.
(positive and negative)

15. Modifying = to induce change

16. Maintaining = satisfaction, status quo
17. Motivating = encourage positive change