Systems Theory in Family Dynamics

Questions and Answers

What genre does 'Wise Blood' belong to?

Romantic

Southern Gothic (correct)

Mystery

Science Fiction

What is one theory of the American Enlightenment regarding the human mind?

The human mind can penetrate all the mysteries of life through laws of science

List the three aspects comprising the spirit of Catholicism according to O'Connor.

Sacramentality, mediation, communion

What does mediation refer to in terms of sacramental imagination?

The more you practice the sacramental imagination, the easier it is to maintain and conjure it. Signup and view all the answers

How does O'Connor view communion?

O'Connor values communion as it represents community, emphasizing the importance of sharing sacramental experiences. Signup and view all the answers

What are three things that religion does?

Provides rules and norms for society, answers big questions, and provides emotional support. Signup and view all the answers

What is death anxiety?

Fear and apprehension of death Signup and view all the answers

How do symbols help with death anxiety?

They avoid group think Signup and view all the answers

Who has the 'wisest blood' according to the content?

Enoch Emory Signup and view all the answers

What does sacramentality mean?

God's self communication; a visible sign of grace Signup and view all the answers

What is Systems Theory?

Theory that describes the interconnected elements of a system in which a change in one element affects all of the other elements. Signup and view all the answers

What does Wholeness in family systems imply?

Families are more than a collection of individuals; each member is emotionally attached to every other member. Signup and view all the answers

What does nonsummativity mean?

Things are more than the sum of their parts. Signup and view all the answers

What does equifinality refer to?

The same results can be secured by starting from different points and using various means. Signup and view all the answers

What function does feedback serve in family systems?

Families are regulated by a circular feedback system similar to the workings of a thermostat. Signup and view all the answers

What is homeostasis in the context of family systems?

The internal interactional processes that help maintain family balance. Signup and view all the answers

How are families understood from a systems perspective?

Families are understood best when viewed from a systems perspective. Signup and view all the answers

What do emotional responses and behavior patterns of individuals signify in family systems?

They are intelligible in the context of the entire family unit. Signup and view all the answers

How is the interaction between family members characterized?

At any given point in time, families are more than the sum of their individual parts. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term Family Roles refer to?

Families possess a set of prioritized goals that influence their organization and functioning. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when individuals identify too closely with their assigned roles?

They may confuse their role with who they really are. Signup and view all the answers

What do functional roles in families do?

Enable families to run smoothly on a daily basis. Signup and view all the answers

What role do anxiety and rigidity play in family dynamics?

Anxiety accelerates when a member behaves out of character, related to the rigidity of family role expectations. Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase, I'm okay, you're okay signify?

A person who knows his or her abilities and also respects and acknowledges the abilities of others. Signup and view all the answers

What impact do family stories and traditions have on identity?

They shape who we are. Signup and view all the answers

What are drives?

Innate, biologically determined urges to attain a goal or satisfy a need. Signup and view all the answers

What does a psychodynamic approach to psychological distress involve?

A deep analysis of one's history of relationships, location, and education. Signup and view all the answers

What is the keyhole metaphor?

It's like looking through a keyhole to understand if God exists; we can only see part of the truth. Signup and view all the answers

What does biographical criticism focus on?

It suggests that knowledge of the author's life experiences can aid in understanding their work. Signup and view all the answers

What is liberation theology?

A movement within the Catholic Church focusing on understanding Christianity from the perspective of the poor and oppressed. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Systems Theory

Describes interconnected elements of a system where changes in one element impact all others.
Focuses on how families function rather than why.

Wholeness

Families represent more than just a collection of individual members; each member is emotionally connected.
Every family member affects and is affected by others.

Nonsummativity

Asserts that a system is more than the sum of its parts; e.g., a family operates as a unique entity beyond its individual members.

Equifinality

Suggests multiple paths can lead to the same outcomes; different family backgrounds can produce similar results in children.

Feedback

Families operate within a circular feedback system, similar to a thermostat; responses from members influence the family dynamic.

Homeostasis

Refers to internal processes that maintain family balance amidst disruptions; helpers aim to promote this stability in adult life.

Major Points on Systems and Individuals

Families are best understood from a systems perspective, emphasizing the entire family's functioning.
Individual behaviors are contextualized within family interactions.
Emotional connections bind family members, influencing overall family dynamics.
Family systems tend to produce identical outcomes from diverse triggers.
Each family member's reactions contribute to a cycle of feedback affecting all.

Family Roles

Families have prioritized goals, shaping their organization and functioning.
Roles are assigned, influencing how individuals identify themselves and interact.
Rigid roles lead to continued performance into adulthood, often increasing anxiety in response to deviations.
Daily functioning relies on established roles like caregiver, breadwinner, etc.
System roles, such as the caretaker or scapegoat, define familial dynamics and authenticity.

Dysfunctional Patterns

"I'm Not Okay - You're Not Okay" reflects a state of dysfunction within relationships.
Different individual views highlight varying levels of self-confidence and respect for others.

Individuality vs. Togetherness

Individuality drives independent living while togetherness encourages connection and communal existence.

Family Heritage

Identity is largely influenced by family heritage through traditions and collective narratives.

Drives and Psychological Distress

Drives refer to innate urges that propel individuals toward goals, consisting of aims, sources, impetus, and objectives.
Psychodynamic views analyze relationships and past experiences to understand contemporary behavior and moods.

Characters from "Wise Blood"

Hazel Motes: Central character; struggles with nihilism and identity after family loss; symbolizes religious conflicts.
Enoch Emery: Yearns for connection; driven by primal instincts; desires meaningful interactions.
Asa Hawks: Phony blind preacher; embodiment of hypocrisy; family of Hazel's obsession.
Sabbath Lily: Consciously participating in her father's deceit; complex relationship with Hazel.

Literary Criticism Approaches

Various methods like text-based criticism, authorial intent, and reader-response criticism provide diverse lenses for analyzing literature.

Key Themes in "Wise Blood"

Explores belief and the essence of faith versus doubt through characters' struggles.
Illustrates death anxiety and reliance on symbols for understanding existential fears.

Sacramentality

Represents God's communication through tangible signs of grace; linked to moments of clarity beyond occluded perception.

American Enlightenment

Focused on reason and science, promoting self-reliance and individual rights while questioning traditional religious authority.

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Description

Explore key concepts of Systems Theory and Wholeness as they relate to family dynamics. This quiz will test your understanding of how individual elements impact the family system as a whole. Perfect for students studying family studies or psychology.