NSG 527 Final. Mod 10-12
General Systems Theory - answer “a system theory constitutes a way of explaining a
unit such as a family as it relates to and interacts with other systems....it explain how
each variable affects the whole and how the whole affects each part"
Concepts of the General Systems Theory - answer System: one unit in totality for
analysis; interdependency; the structure is the organization of the parts needed for
effective function and measurable outcomes.
Holism or Nonsummativity: the system is analyzed holistically and not in individual parts
Interconnectedness: the system is interconnected with the environment in which it exists
Social System: is a social organization with persons having interactions with defined
boundaries
Open System: all living systems must be interactive with the environment
Closed System: does not need interaction with the environment to survive
Hierarchy of Systems: each unit has a hierarchy that transcends from a higher-level to a
lower-level system; an identified system of study is called a target system of focal
system.
Boundaries: are lines of demarcation from systems, subsystems, and suprasystems;
these boundaries can be porous or flexible to allow more or less interaction between the
system and the environment.
Input: is received from the environment and affects survival; it is the source of output in
the system.
Output: occurs when a system monitors and processes its output.
Feedback: ongoing monitoring of input and output in a system.
Self-Regulation, Homeostasis, Steady State, and Equilibrium: self-regulation is a
mechanism for managing the family's ability to balance and control input; when this
occurs there is homeostasis, steady state and equilibrium.
Differentiation: this process occurs for growth and change to occur; families need a
balance of stability (morphostasis) and change to grow as a unit.
Energy: increased energy is needed from the environment for systems with increased
activity; energy is necessary for differentiation to occur.
Application of the General Systems Theory Concepts to the Family - answer- Family:
living social system; interdependent; family members in a single unit for reaching mutual
goals.
- Reciprocal Determinism of the Ripple Effect: the ripple effect occurs when a significant
stressor impacts one family member and the effect "ripples" to the entire family unit;
circular causation.
- Nonsummativity: the family unit is "greater than the sum of its parts"; a comprehensive
assessment of the family includes all components of the interrelatedness.
, - Self-Reflexivity and Goal Seeking: families have an innate sense to focus on their
organizational structure and function and then to set goals accordingly; communication
is the key methodology for ensuring success of this process.
- Hierarchy of Systems: Family as Focal System: the family has a hierarchal structure
with its members; this also extends to the environment which encompasses institutions
of the suprasystem.
- Open, Closed and Random Family Systems: Open family-in an open system with the
environment; change is necessary and desirable; boundaries are permeable in the
family system. Closed-family-social control; rigidity; change is a stressor to the family
Random-family-individual family members determine their boundaries; family dynamics
are in chaos
- Family Boundaries: adaptation within families occurs when boundaries can expand
and retract to regulate input and output; the degree of openness can act negatively
and/or positively on the stability of the family.
- Family Adaptation: family members have the ability to be flexible in altering behavior;
the family adapts by actively processing internal and external input; family homeostasis
occurs when there is balance.
- Family Subsystems: families have multiple subsystems comprising the family
structure; Table 6-2, p. 162, provides an overview of family subsytems in the nuclear,
two-parent family.
Attachment Theory - answerAttachment theory is focused on the relationships and
bonds between people, particularly long-term relationships including those between a
parent and child and between romantic partners.
Patterns of Attachment: Characteristics of Secure Attachment - answerSecure
attachment is marked by distress when separated from caregivers and are joy when the
caregiver returns. Remember, these children feel secure and able to depend on their
adult caregivers. When the adult leaves, the child may be upset but he or she feels
assured that the parent or caregiver will return.
When frightened, securely attached children will seek comfort from caregivers. These
children know their parent or caregiver will provide comfort and reassurance, so they
are comfortable seeking them out in times of need.
Patterns of Attachment: Characteristics of Ambivalent Attachment - answerAmbivalently
attached children usually become very distressed when a parent leaves. This
attachment style is considered relatively uncommon, affecting an estimated 7-15% of
U.S. children. Research suggests that ambivalent attachment is a result of poor
maternal availability. These children cannot depend on their mother (or caregiver) to be
there when the child is in need.
Patterns of Attachment: Characteristics of Avoidant Attachment - answerChildren with
an avoidant attachment tend to avoid parents or caregivers. When offered a choice,
these children will show no preference between a caregiver and a complete stranger.
Research has suggested that this attachment style might be a result of abusive or
General Systems Theory - answer “a system theory constitutes a way of explaining a
unit such as a family as it relates to and interacts with other systems....it explain how
each variable affects the whole and how the whole affects each part"
Concepts of the General Systems Theory - answer System: one unit in totality for
analysis; interdependency; the structure is the organization of the parts needed for
effective function and measurable outcomes.
Holism or Nonsummativity: the system is analyzed holistically and not in individual parts
Interconnectedness: the system is interconnected with the environment in which it exists
Social System: is a social organization with persons having interactions with defined
boundaries
Open System: all living systems must be interactive with the environment
Closed System: does not need interaction with the environment to survive
Hierarchy of Systems: each unit has a hierarchy that transcends from a higher-level to a
lower-level system; an identified system of study is called a target system of focal
system.
Boundaries: are lines of demarcation from systems, subsystems, and suprasystems;
these boundaries can be porous or flexible to allow more or less interaction between the
system and the environment.
Input: is received from the environment and affects survival; it is the source of output in
the system.
Output: occurs when a system monitors and processes its output.
Feedback: ongoing monitoring of input and output in a system.
Self-Regulation, Homeostasis, Steady State, and Equilibrium: self-regulation is a
mechanism for managing the family's ability to balance and control input; when this
occurs there is homeostasis, steady state and equilibrium.
Differentiation: this process occurs for growth and change to occur; families need a
balance of stability (morphostasis) and change to grow as a unit.
Energy: increased energy is needed from the environment for systems with increased
activity; energy is necessary for differentiation to occur.
Application of the General Systems Theory Concepts to the Family - answer- Family:
living social system; interdependent; family members in a single unit for reaching mutual
goals.
- Reciprocal Determinism of the Ripple Effect: the ripple effect occurs when a significant
stressor impacts one family member and the effect "ripples" to the entire family unit;
circular causation.
- Nonsummativity: the family unit is "greater than the sum of its parts"; a comprehensive
assessment of the family includes all components of the interrelatedness.
, - Self-Reflexivity and Goal Seeking: families have an innate sense to focus on their
organizational structure and function and then to set goals accordingly; communication
is the key methodology for ensuring success of this process.
- Hierarchy of Systems: Family as Focal System: the family has a hierarchal structure
with its members; this also extends to the environment which encompasses institutions
of the suprasystem.
- Open, Closed and Random Family Systems: Open family-in an open system with the
environment; change is necessary and desirable; boundaries are permeable in the
family system. Closed-family-social control; rigidity; change is a stressor to the family
Random-family-individual family members determine their boundaries; family dynamics
are in chaos
- Family Boundaries: adaptation within families occurs when boundaries can expand
and retract to regulate input and output; the degree of openness can act negatively
and/or positively on the stability of the family.
- Family Adaptation: family members have the ability to be flexible in altering behavior;
the family adapts by actively processing internal and external input; family homeostasis
occurs when there is balance.
- Family Subsystems: families have multiple subsystems comprising the family
structure; Table 6-2, p. 162, provides an overview of family subsytems in the nuclear,
two-parent family.
Attachment Theory - answerAttachment theory is focused on the relationships and
bonds between people, particularly long-term relationships including those between a
parent and child and between romantic partners.
Patterns of Attachment: Characteristics of Secure Attachment - answerSecure
attachment is marked by distress when separated from caregivers and are joy when the
caregiver returns. Remember, these children feel secure and able to depend on their
adult caregivers. When the adult leaves, the child may be upset but he or she feels
assured that the parent or caregiver will return.
When frightened, securely attached children will seek comfort from caregivers. These
children know their parent or caregiver will provide comfort and reassurance, so they
are comfortable seeking them out in times of need.
Patterns of Attachment: Characteristics of Ambivalent Attachment - answerAmbivalently
attached children usually become very distressed when a parent leaves. This
attachment style is considered relatively uncommon, affecting an estimated 7-15% of
U.S. children. Research suggests that ambivalent attachment is a result of poor
maternal availability. These children cannot depend on their mother (or caregiver) to be
there when the child is in need.
Patterns of Attachment: Characteristics of Avoidant Attachment - answerChildren with
an avoidant attachment tend to avoid parents or caregivers. When offered a choice,
these children will show no preference between a caregiver and a complete stranger.
Research has suggested that this attachment style might be a result of abusive or
