...Family Systems Theory LaTova Quattlebaum Simmons College Family Theory September 24, 2015 Family Systems Theory The family systems theory has many strengths, one being that it “encourages nurses to see individual clients as participating members of a larger family system” (Kaakinen, Coehlo, Steele, Tabacco, & Hanson, 2015, p. 76). That being said working labor and delivery this concept holds true as the birth of an infant affects everyone in the family not just the woman, all roles within the family system are switched and everyone has to adapt. That adaptation could be adaptive or maladaptive in order to maintain stability (Kaakinen et al, 2015, p. 76). A weakness is that the theory maybe too “abstract for beginners” (Kaakinen et al, 2015, p. 79). Healthcare facilities appear to focus on the individual rather than the family, with that happening it makes it harder for new nurses to recognize the importance of “a family as a whole, is greater than the members of the family” ( Kaakinen et al, 2015, p.79). Looking at the family as a whole, during the laboring and birthing process, it is essential to take care of the mom laboring, but as equally as important to care for those attending the labor (i.e. dad, grandparents, and siblings) as their negative experiences could ruin the entire labor experience for the family as a whole. References Kaakinen, J. R., Coehlo, D. P., Steele, R., Tabacco, A., & Hanson, S. H. (2015). Family health care nursing: Theory...
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...PYC4808 Ecosystemic Psychology Assignment Two Question 1 : Name and define the first-order cybernetic principles as described in your prescribed textbook. When viewing first-order cybernetics, we observe from the outside of what is going on in the system. We do not view ourselves as part of the system and do not concern ourselves with what the system does or why it does it. What we are concerned with is describing what is happening in the system. We aim to answer questions such as, “who are members of the system?, what are the characteristic patterns of interaction in this system?, what rules and roles form the boundaries of the system and distinguish it as separate from other systems?. “(Becvar & Becvar 2014. Pg 69 ) In first-order cybernetics we also attempt to find out how freely information is transmitted in and out of the particular system, as well as view the balance between change and stability within the system. Consistent with the element of recursiveness, the system is one that has reciprocal causalty and not linear and both people and events are mutually interactive and influenced. In order to analyze the family system, relationships and interactions amongst members are viewed instead of viewing the individuals in isolation. From the perspective all systems are influenced and influence each other. From a cybernetic perspective, we acknowledge that an isolated cause/effect event is only a small part of a large pattern of circularity. “Feedback refers to the...
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...1. How is reality seen by each approach? In first order cybernetics, reality is discovered through observation without the observer being influenced in process. To ensure such, the observer place themselves outside the system, where they can observe what is goes into and comes out of it so that they can initiate change (Becvar & Becvar, 2009). In second order cybernetics, the observer is recognised as a part of, or participant in that what is observed. Perception of both the observer and the observed is recognised. Reality is constructed other being recognised as something that is out there. Becvar & Becvar (in Baron, 2007) is cited as stating that, first and second order cybernetics are consistent with each other in the assumption that, reality is understood as perceptually constructed or created. Baron (2007) noted that, reality from first cybernetics approach maybe explained and interpreted from an isolated remote position, while a second order approach is aware that it is not possible to understand other’s reality without being a part of it during the process. The focus on context and communication is of utmost relevance in both approaches. The therapists attempt to understand the context through examination of individual perceptions, meanings and prevailing social system within which the relationships are included. Becvar & Becvar (2009) emphasized that, from a cybernetics perspective, meaning is derived from the relation between individuals and elements as each defines...
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...Table of contents Plagiarism Declaration ………………………………………………………………………………………….page 1. Table of contents……………………………………………………………………………………………………page 2 Question 1……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..page 3 Question 2……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..page 4 Question 3 …………………………………………………………………………………………………………….page 6. Question 4 ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………page 6 Question 5 ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………page 7 Question 6……………………………………………………………………………………………………………page 8 Question 7 ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………page 9 Bibliography…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..page 10 . Question 1: First – order cybernetics adheres to a set of principles that we can name and define as follows: 1. Recursion: Recursion can be defined as “ relating to or constituting a procedure that can repeat itself indefinitely or “ one step of a procedure involves invoking the procedure itself “.( Wikipedia 2015). If we translate this principle to simple cybernetics we can say that this theory does not seek a linear cause of a situation like in A occurs and then B occurs because of A. But sees, for example, people in a family influence each other and each other’s behaviours and this is a constant flow of influence. So the reciprocal relationship is important : “ …meaning is derived from the relationship between individuals …. as each defines the other “.(Becvar and Becvar 2014 8th ed , p 70 ). The use of this principle...
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...Introduction The purpose of this essay paper is to critically compare the epistemology governing the first and second order cybernetic approaches. (Epistemology is defined by Becvar and Becvar (2013), as the study of how we know what we know, and how we can make valid knowledge claims based on a particular theoretical framework. It focuses on the assumption that underline a particular framework and whether the knowledge claim made by that theory is logically consistent with its own assumption). In doing so, the student will answer the following questions: 1. Name and define the first-order cybernetic principles as described in the book The first order cybernetic is also known as simple cybernetic. Becvar and Becvar (2013), describe the first order cybernetic metaphorically by using the black box. They stated that it is a system whose operation we attempt to understand by observing what goes into and what comes out of it, analysis of inputs and outputs. In addition, we place ourselves outside the system as observers of what is going on inside the system. We are more interested in understanding the interaction and relationships within the system. The observer stays outside of the system being observed and views him/herself as being in a position to facilitate adjustment in the system without taking into consideration his/her participation. The following are the principles of this approach as stated in Becvar and Becvar (2013): * Recursion: this principle states...
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...Atticus Finch is one of the most steadfastly honest and moral characters in “To Kill a Mockingbird“ by Harper Lee and his character remains, for the most part, unchanged throughout “To Kill a Mockingbird”. As any character analysis of Atticus Finch should note in terms of the plot of “To Kill a Mockingbird” he begins as an upstanding citizen who is respected and admired by his peers and even though he loses some ground during the trial, by the end of To Kill a Mockingbird he is still looked up to, both by his children and the community as whole—with all class levels included. As a lawyer in To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus Finch represents everything that someone working in the justice system should. He is fair, does not hold grudges, and looks at every situation from a multitude of angles. As Miss Maude quite correctly puts it in one of the important quotes from “To Kill a Mockingbird”by Harper Lee, “Atticus Finch is the same in his house as he is on the public streets” (87) and this could also be said of how he behaves in the courtroom. He is a skilled lawyer and without making outright accusations in a harsh tone he effectively points out that Bob Ewell is lying. Even more importantly, the subject of this character analysis, Atticus Finch, is able to gracefully point out to the jury that there although there probably are a few black men who are capable of crimes, “this is a truth that applies to the human race and to no particular race of men” (208). His understanding of...
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...1. Being the first chapter a good deal important information is established. Among these is the identity of the narrator Nick and of Gatsby himself, and the setting of the story. Likely the most crucial point is the beginning description of Gatsby, limited though it is at this point. 2. Nick claims to be highly tolerant and a good judge of character. He also describes a bit of his background from a well-to-do family with a thoughtful, quiet father who taught him not to judge. He says this results in earning the trust of many people around him and being told numerous dark secrets. 3. Tom Buchanan is described as wealthy, privileged and excruciatingly accomplished so as to be underwhelmed by anything short of his previous level of achievement. He had been a star football player in college and having reached his absolute peak had made him almost melancholy and he seemed to seek fulfillment drifting around, in this case to the site of the story's events. 4. Jordan Baker is a friend of Tom and Daisy's and a professional tennis player. Nick is intrigued by her athletic physique and attitude of loose contempt. He describes her as languid a lot. 5. Nick seems to pity Tom, as he does with everyone else he knows in the spirit of sympathy, though also admiring his physical prowess. He says of his outburst "There was something pathetic in his concentration, as if his complacency, more acute than of old, was not enough to him any more. " Nick has an understanding already of the dissatisfaction...
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...Empathy has been a vital part of human society since conception, the ability to sympathize with others is necessary to fix problems and progress as a civilization. In Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird Atticus teaches his children, an essential lesson. Atticus states "You never really know a man until you stand in his shoes and walk around in them"(Lee). Lee further vindicates this statement through imagery and motif, concluding that, to truly know someone one must observe issues in their shoes. The motif of empathizing with another character's plights to better interpret their actions and the characters themselves is prevalent throughout Scout's narration. The most notable example being when Atticus explains Bob Ewell's rationale for his hostile encounter, "Jem, see if you can stand in Bob Ewell's shoes a minute. I destroyed his last shred of credibility at that trial if he had any, to begin with." (Lee). Even though Atticus wholeheartedly disagrees with Bob's response, he still understands them and encourages Jem to do so as well. Showing that even when people act out of impulse and through faulty reasoning it is still paramount to discern their perspective of the incident at hand. Imagery is used to envision Arthur Radley's perspective of the novel. Near the conclusion, Scout sits on the Radley porch and finally begins to see things through the eyes of Arthur rather than her own. Whilst retrospecting, Scout narrates the story through the view of Arthur, "It was fall, and his...
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...GREGORY VII (Hildebrand) (Pope, 1073-85). He was born in Tuscany about 1020, perhaps at Soana, a village of the southern border. His family belonged to the plebeian class. Although nothing of his remoter ancestry is known, his family name, Hildebrand, would imply a Teutonic descent; but by birth and education at least he was Italian. His youth was passed in Rome, in the monastery of St. Mary, on the Aventine, of which his uncle was abbot, and he probably took monastic vows. The Emperor Henry III took him to Germany, and he continued his studies in Cologne. Very likely he also visited Aix-la-Chapelle and Cluny. He attended the council at Worms at which Bishop Bruno of Toul was chosen Pope (Leo IX), and the latter took him to Rome (1049) and made him a cardinal subdeacon. He had great influence during the pontificate of Leo. On the latter's death (1054) the Roman people manifested a desire to have Hildebrand as successor; but this honor he declined, preferring to gain more experience. Besides important domestic employments which were assigned to him, he was sent as legate to the Council of Tours (1054), in which the cause of Berengarius was examined. (See BERFEGARIUS of TOURS.) He was likewise one of the three legates dispatched to Germany to consult about a successor to Leo IX. Under the four popes who followed Leo--Victor II, Stephen IX, Benedict X, and Alexander II, known in history as the German popes--Hildebrand continued to be the predominant. Power and inspired into their...
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...* References Alcoholics Anonymous Handbook (1976) Alderfer, C. P., Brown, L. D., Kaplan, R., & Smith, K. K. (in press). Group relations and organizational diagnosis. New York: Wiley. Argyris, C., & Schon, D. (1974). Theory in practice: Increasing professional effectiveness. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. Ashby, W. R. (1964). An introduction to cybernetics. London: Chapman and Hall and University Paperbacks. Ashby, W. R. (1965). Design for a brain. London: Chapman and Hall and Science Paperbacks. Bailey, K. D. (1991). “Autopoiesis”. In Proceedings: American Sociological Association Annual Meeting, . Cincinnati, OH Bateson, G. (1972). Steps to an ecology of mind. New York: Chandler Publishing Co. Bateson, G. (1979). Mind and nature: A necessary unity (Bantam Trade edition, November, 1988 ed.). New York: Bantam Books. Bateson, G. (1991). Sacred unity: Further steps to an ecology of mind. New York: Harper Collins Publishers. Bateson, G., & Bateson, M. C. (1987). Angels Fear (Bantam ed.). New York: Macmillan. Bateson, G., Jackson, D. D., Haley, J., & Weakland, J. (1956). “Toward a theory of schizophrenia.” Behavioral Science, 1: 251-264. Beer, S. (1974). Designing Freedom. Toronto: CBC Publications. Beer, S. (1979). The Heart of the Enterprise. New York: Wiley. Beer, S. (1989). “The viable system model: Its provenance, development, methodology and pathology”. In R. Espejo & R. Harnden, (Eds.). The Viable Systems Model: Interpretations and applications...
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...‘Play and the quality of playfulness, especially in its social interactive form, is a universal, pleasurable and highly transportable form of activity’ (Lynch and Veal). Play is important as it allows a person to express their emotions and creativity, as through play a person can achieve creativity. Through play a person can also learn how to socialise, learn to constrain and confirm and develop playfulness – skills and abilities that will help an individual when participating in communication. The two levels of communication that operate when people play together are concrete and meta. The relationships between the two levels of communication are they help distinguish communication between playfulness and seriousness, they become signs of communication. As concrete is literal and meta underlines the meaning of literal communication. For example, “go to bed now” is concrete and “GO TO BED NOW!!” is meta. ‘It was argued that play marks a step forward in the evolution of communication – crucial step in the discovery of map-territory relations”. (Bateson) This comment emphasises the importance of play as it helps a person distinguish his/her relationship with another person. Playfulness is another form of communication and if two people understand and happily communicate each other through play it therefore helps them determine the status of their relationship, thus being a happy relationship. The two levels of communication that comes from play helps a person further understand...
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...Ecosystemtic Psychology Table of contents Plagiarism declaration-------------------------------------------------------------------------1 Introduction------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2 Conclusion-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------4 References--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------5 PLAGIARISM DECLARATION I Kabelo Serumula know that plagiarism is wrong. Plagiarism is using another’s work and pretending that is one’s own work I have used the American Psychological Association as the convention for citation and referencing. Each significant contribution to and quotation in this assignment from the work or works of other people has been attributed and has been citied and referenced This assignment is my own work I have not allowed and will not allow anyone to copy my work with intention of passing it off as his or her own work I acknowledge that copying someone else’s assignment or part of it is wrong and declare that this assignment is my own work Ecosystemic Psychology (PYC4808) Assignment: 01 Unique number: 199603 Introduction Ecosystemtic is an ‘‘approach that presuppose a way of looking at human functioning where the focus is on systems and where ecological and cybernetic principles provide the point of departure’’ (Becvar & Becvar.2013). This branch of psychology helps...
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...Table of content page Introduction 2 1 First-order cybernetics principles 2 2 Second-order cybernetics 4 3 Perception of reality 5 4 Health and pathology 6 5 The role and function of therapy 7 6 Ethical concerns 8 7 Integration of first- and second-order cybernetics 8 Conclusion 9 Reference list 10 A comparison of first- and second-order cybernetics Introduction When considering psychology most think of individual psychology. But in more recent years, systems theory or cybernetics as a school of thought in psychology has grown in its influence in the field. Within cybernetics there are two different approaches, namely first-order or simple cybernetics and second-order cybernetics. What student hopes to achieve with this assignment is a better understanding of these two by exploring what sets them apart. 1 First-order cybernetics principles In describing first-order cybernetics, Becvar and Becvar (2014) use the following principles to highlight its fundamental assumptions. 1.1 Recursion People and events do not exist in isolation but within a context, more specifically within the relationships in which they are involved in. Recursion refers to the fact that all elements involved in a relationship influence each other as they are constantly interacting. 1.2 Feedback It is the part of recursion that allows a system to correct itself by using the information given about past behaviours in order to make...
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...| PYC4808 – ECOSYSTEMIC PSYCHOLOGY | Assignment 2 | | | Table of Contents Introduction Error! Bookmark not defined. Question 1 3 1.1 First order cybernetic principles. 3 Question 2 5 2.1 Second order cybernetic principles. 5 Question 3 7 3.1 Reality as seen by each specific approach. 7 Question 4 8 4.1 Health and pathology as addressed by each specific approach. 8 Question 5 8 5.1 Each respective perspectives means of dealing with therapy. 8 Question 6 9 6.1 The role and function of the therapist in each of these approaches. 9 Question 7 9 7.1 Critical ethical concerns raised by each specific perspective. 9 Question 8 10 8.1 Ideas on how the first- and second order cybernetic approaches can be integrated in a complementary way. 10 Question 1 1.1 First order cybernetic principles. First order cybernetics, also known as simple cybernetics, endeavours to place the individual outside of the system, to act as an observer. The individual is not seen as part of the system or in any way linked to the actions of the system. By doing this the individual tries to identify the members of the system, their characteristics, their interactional patterns as well as the boundaries which have been formed by the rules and roles within the system. Furthermore, simple cybernetics is based on the following basic principles: Recursion refers to the assumption where the focus is not on the individual but on the events and interactions between...
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...This site is undergoing changes and may be offline from time to time over the next 2 weeks) ----------------------- What is an ecosystemic perspective? From a biological perspective, an ecosystem describes a view that parts of nature integrate into each other at various levels. Parts of nature are not completely separate entities but are related to each other in one form or another. An ecosystem is formed by the interaction of a community of organisms within their physical environment. The interaction may be biological, physical, psychic or all. Thus, ecosystemic thinking has a relational context with an awareness of interconnectedness between organisms. An ecosystemic awareness is not new. This thinking [and living] has been common in China at least 1400 years ago with Fa-tsang a commonly referred thinker in this regard amongst others (Cook, 1977). It has been present in and around India well over 2000 years ago. Thus, this thinking or more correctly, this epistemology (the way we know what we know) has been available since early times. What then is ecosystemic psychology? There are many definitions of ‘psychology’. Most do agree that psychology refers to the science or analysis of mental life. Thus, ecosystemic-psychology could be described as psychology in context. For example, a set of traffic lights on your busy street corner has an obvious function. This same set of traffic lights in the middle of a desert is not obvious and may be absurd. Thus, context...
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