Lets Talk: General Systems Theory

This theory has informed and inspired many founders of the MFT field. This theory was first described by Ludwig von Bertalanffy. He was interested in looking at a system as a whole, with its relationships and interactions with other systems as a mechanism of growth and change. 

Underlying concepts of general systems theory include:

• System: a collection of interconnected and interrelated parts that form a distinct, organized, and functioning whole. Each system is part of a suprasystem. For example, a family system is part of a community system. Each part of a system is affected to some degree by all the other parts.
• Boundary: Every system has structural limitations that separates it from other systems, gives the system definition, and makes the system unique. This property is referred to as a boundary.
• Closed System: has a nonpermeable or thick boundary. It is isolated from the environment and highly resistant to influence from outside forces. A closed system is usually considered to be dysfunctional.
• Open System: has permeable thin boundaries that allows an ongoing exchange of energy or information with its environment. A relatively open and interaction system is usually considered to be functional.
• Entropy: When a system sends out more energy than it brings in, this can lead to a state of disorganization known as entropy. Not to be confused with negentropy which refers to forces that maintain a system’s organization and promote its development.
• Homeostasis: This addresses the tendency for any system to react toward restoring the status quo in the event of change. A system tends to act in ways that allow it to maintain a steady state.
• Feedback: Negative Feedback is maintaining the balance of homeostasis of a system. For example, a mother’s disapproving glance may be used to bring her unruly child back under control.
• Positive feedback, by contrast, upsets the existing homeostatic balance and amplifies deviation from a steady state. Many techniques in family therapy might be called positive feedback since they are designed to unbalance a family system’s existing homeostasis and permit a more functional balance to emerge. 
• Equifinality and Equipotentiality: The principle of equifinality (same end) refers to the fact that a single effect of outcome may result from several different causes. The principle of equipotentiality (many ends) refers to the fact that one cause, or one action, may produce many different effects or outcomes.