Clinical Psychology Lecture 10: Family Systems Model

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Questions and Answers

What does the family systems model emphasize regarding individual behavior?

Family dynamics have a significant influence on behavior. (correct)

Individual behavior is determined solely by genetics.

Personal choices are the only factors affecting behavior.

Abnormal behavior is an isolated phenomenon.

Which statement best describes the approach of family therapy?

It relies on medication as the primary mode of treatment.

It emphasizes understanding the past dynamics of the family.

It focuses solely on individual therapy outside of family interactions.

It attempts to change relationships to resolve presenting problems. (correct)

According to family systems theory, how does abnormal functioning within a family affect its members?

It creates a supportive environment for all members.

It isolates personal problems away from family dynamics.

It leads to improved individual behavior among members.

It can result in abnormal behavior among individuals. (correct)

What is one of the main principles of System Theory as proposed by Bertalanffy?

The interaction among entities is crucial for understanding systems. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following approaches is NOT one of the three family therapy approaches mentioned?

Cognitive approach Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by clear boundaries in an open system?

Power dynamics are overt and self-worth is primary Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a close system in terms of boundaries?

Relationships are regulated by power or fear Signup and view all the answers

What type of influence does the concept of interaction suggest?

Reciprocal influence can help predict outcomes Signup and view all the answers

What does triangulation refer to in a subsystem context?

Two individuals dealing with their issues through a third party Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of boundaries in a system?

They define participation and interactions both inside and outside Signup and view all the answers

What does 'dynamic homeostasis' imply within a system?

Compromise between stability and change Signup and view all the answers

What defines a subsystems' relationship in a family context?

Relationships can be based on alliances or predetermined roles Signup and view all the answers

What do enmeshed boundaries indicate about a system?

Rigid structures where relationships are based on fear Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of family hierarchy within a family system?

To depict the relative influence of each member in decision-making Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the enmeshed family structure?

Excessive closeness that blurs individual identities Signup and view all the answers

How do feedback loops function within the cybernetic principle of family systems?

They allow each family member's actions to influence the system as a whole Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about family psychopathology?

It is solely caused by individual family members' issues Signup and view all the answers

In what way can symptoms of the identified patient (IP) function within the family system?

They serve to maintain family cohesion and interaction Signup and view all the answers

What effect can a disengaged family structure have on its members?

Isolation and lack of emotional engagement Signup and view all the answers

What does the family projection process involve?

Emotional struggles shared across the family as a collective experience Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes circular causality in family systems?

It indicates that changes made by one member can affect multiple areas of the system Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Lecture 10: Basic Theoretical Models of Human Functioning in Clinical Psychology (Part V)

This lecture introduces the family systems model, a key theoretical model used in clinical psychology.
The family systems model emphasizes the influence of the family environment on individual behavior.
Family therapists view abnormal behavior as a symptom of unhealthy family dynamics, including issues with communication and structure.
Family systems theory argues that abnormal functioning within a family can lead to abnormal behavior, viewing "insane behavior" as "sane in an insane environment."
Human problems are often interpersonal, not just intrapersonal, meaning that resolving them often requires interventions aimed at relationships.
Key concept: Family systems are viewed as interconnected systems, so challenges affecting one family member (like a "identified patient") impact the entire family.
Family therapy aims to change family interactions to address presenting problems.

Lecture Overview

Family systems model overview

Family Systems Model

Focuses on changing interactions, relieving clients' and families' presenting problems (APA, 2010).
Sees the family as a system.
Family therapy approaches include the individual members and their interconnectedness.
Changes and problems impacting one family member affect others.
Three common family therapy approaches include: communication, structural, and strategic.

Main Principles of System Theory (Bertalanffy, 1968)

Living organisms are organized wholes, not just the sum of their parts. Key is the processes that organize the interrelationships.
Interactions among system components are essential to predict outcomes, according to Yakir Aharonov (candidate for Nobel Prize in Physics in 2009).
System theory emphasizes circular or reciprocal influence (e.g. A affects B and B affects A).

Systems - Hierarchy and Boundaries (Brown & Christensen, 1999)

Systems are hierarchical, layered, and interdependent (e.g., cell, organ, organism, group, societal, supranational).
Systems have boundaries — rules about who participates and how in interactions (both within the system and with the outside).

Main Principles and Concepts

Concepts: Boundaries, Subsystems, Hierarchy
Processes: Cybernetic principle: Feedback; Communication

Boundaries

Rules defining who participates and how in operations determine interactions inside and outside the system.
Categorized on a continuum from close (stable, homeostasis) to open (change, development). The goal is a compromise between the two.
Ranges from disengaged (rigid boundaries), to clear (normal range), to enmeshed (diffuse boundaries).
Enmeshed systems rely on force and fear rather than free communication. This can impact self-worth. Self-worth is secondary to power. Change is restricted.
Open systems have clear boundaries (actions represent beliefs, power is secondary), overt communication, value and support self-worth, allow choices in change.

Subsystems

Predetermined (couple, parent, siblings), voluntary (sport lovers).
Alignments (alliances) among family members.
Rigid subsystems can stem from unhealthy familial relationships.
Triangulation: a situation where two people with conflict create a third party within the relationship to avoid directly confronting each other.

Hierarchy

Natural structures determined by age and role.
Power relations and decision-making within families. The hierarchy dictates who has influence in the family.
Hierarchical violations (e.g., parental child) can lead to dysfunction.

Cybernetic Principle: Feedback

Systems regulate themselves via feedback loops.
Circular causality – each action influences other parts of the system, and the process continues.

View on Psychopathology

Focuses on how family systems maintain or exacerbate psychopathology rather than its cause.
Family system causes and interpersonal interactions help maintain the issue.
The "identified patient" serves a role in family interaction and cohesion.
Symptoms serve a purpose to help the system maintain interaction and cohesion when the family focuses on the identified patient.
Two types of problematic family structures: disengaged and enmeshed.

Family Projection Process & Multigenerational Transmission Process

Family members share emotional ground, projecting difficulties onto one member or a subgroup. These difficulties might stem from the whole system, family structure, individual roles or a combination of these.
Unconscious patterns (time-orientation, values, spending behavior, child disciplining), from prior generations influence the current family system and relationships.

The Communication Approach (V. Satir)

Effective communication is key to healthy family functioning.
Healthy Communication: open expressing of genuine feelings, clear communication of issues, honoring all parts of messages by all family members (congruence). The ability for individuals to clarify messages.
Types of dysfunctional communication: Placater, Blamer, Super-rational, Irrelevant, Double bind.

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Description

Explore the family systems model in clinical psychology, focusing on how family dynamics influence individual behavior. This lecture discusses the interconnectedness of family members and how abnormal behavior often reflects unhealthy family interactions. Understand the importance of family therapy in resolving interpersonal issues.