The nature of Systems theory—what does it emphasize? - ✔✔The whole is greater than the sum of the
parts
What are subsystems and how are they formed? - ✔✔subsystems carry out various functions and
responsibilities for the entire family. They are formed by gender, generation, interest, or function.
Which subsystem is the most basic in the family? - ✔✔the spousal subsystem
What are feedback loops? - ✔✔circular mechanisms whose purpose is to introduce information about a
systems output to its input, in order to alter, correct, or influence the system's functioning.
How do positive feedback loops impact a system? - ✔✔they are understood to be amplifying loops,
given that they add or accelerate the initial deviation. positive feedback loops promote change
How do negative feedback loops impact a system? - ✔✔they are understood to be attenuating loops,
given that they promote a return to equilibrium. negative feedback loops guard the system's steady
state and homeostasis. They promote stability.
Are feedback loops intrinsically bad or good? - ✔✔
What does it mean if a family operates as an open system? - ✔✔a system or subsystem with a
continuous information flow to and from the outside is considered an open system.
What role has systems theory played in the family therapy movement? - ✔✔is the theoretical
underpinning of most MFT theories
What does the redundancy principle refer to? - ✔✔Families interact in repetitive behavioral sequences
, Family rules-are most rules covertly or overtly stated? - ✔✔covertly
What are boundaries? - ✔✔an invisible line of demarcation that separates an individual, subsystem, or a
family from outside surroundings.
Healthy families tend to have what kind of boundaries? - ✔✔permeable
What are some characteristics of closed systems? - ✔✔run the risk of entropy, the tendency to gradually
move towards decaying, disorder, and disorganization. closed systems are more likely to fail to adapt
when faced with stress and transitions.
What does ecosystemic theory or analysis refer to? - ✔✔The family in itself is a part of multiple systems
, such as the legal system, the school system, and workplace.
How do most family therapists view the IP (identified patient)? - ✔✔family therapists view the "IP" as
expressing the family's disequilibrium or dysfunction. Some family therapists believe the symptom-
bearer or symptoms have a stabilizing effect on the family system. Think of a symptomatic child in a
distressed marriage.
What does pseudomutuality refer to? - ✔✔a relationship between two persons in which conflict of
views or opinions is "solved" by simply ignoring it. -- not solved, just creates a false sense of harmony
Individuals who contributed to the beginnings of the marriage counseling movement - ✔✔Earnest
Groves
Abraham & Hannah Stone
Paul Popenoe
Emily Mudd
Early Leaders in MFT that worked from a Social Learning/Behavioral Perspective - ✔✔Gerald Patterson
How is contemporary marriage therapy practiced today? What format? - ✔✔Conjoint therapy and the
couple is seen together, not individually
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