Systems Theory and Family Therapy

A concise, readable introduction to systems theory (and especially second-order cybernetics) with practical applications to family therapy.

Raphael J. Becvar, Dorothy Stroh Becvar, Lynne V. Reif

Acknowledgments Foreword-Sally St. George and Dan Wulff Preface-Raphael J. Becvar Introduction: How to Use This Book 1 About Theories 2 Systems Theory/Cybernetics: A Paradigm Shift Modernism Postmodernism Constructivism Social Constructionism First-Order and Second-Order Cybernetics 3 First-Order Cybernetics: Definitions of Concepts Boundaries Communication/Information Processing Context Entropy and Negative Entropy Equifinality Homeostasis, Morphostasis, and Morphogenesis Open and Closed Systems Positive and Negative Feedback Recursion Relationship Wholeness Summary and Conclusion 4 Second-Order Cybernetics: Definition of Concepts Autopoiesis Consensual Domains Epistemology of Participation Feedback Nonpurposeful Drift Openness and Closedness Reality as a Multiverse Structural Coupling Structural Determinism Wholeness and Self-Reference Summary and Conclusion 5 Family Interpretive Systems/Stories 6 Family Development Through the Life Cycle 7 The Family as System 8 A Critique and Defense of the Systems Perspective 9 Patterns to Ponder Double Messages Patterns and Paradoxes to Ponder 10 Implications for Family Therapy Stability and Change General Principles Engaging the Family, Assessment, and Therapeutic Goals Pragmatics Final Thoughts 11 In Conclusion References Index About the Authors