ECOSYSTEMIC
PSYCHOLOGY
PYC4808
YEARLY CONTENT GUIDE
Perfectionist Notes
PRIVATE TUTOR FOR HONOURS IN PSYCHOLOGY - UNISA
helping you achieve your best results
TEXTBOOK USED:
Family Therapy: A Systemic Integration BY Dorothy Stroh Becvar M Raphael J. Becvar (Eighth Edition)2014
, Property of Perfectionist Notes
Plagiarism/distribution/selling/illegal use of these notes will be prosecuted
Table of Contents
SECTION A ..................................................................................................................................... 3
Chapter 1 - Two Different Worldviews .................................................................................... 3
Modernism ............................................................................................................................ 3
Chapter 3 - The Paradigmatic Shift of Systems Theory ........................................................... 6
First Order Cybernetics ......................................................................................................... 6
Second Order Cybernetics .................................................................................................. 14
Chapter 4: Postmodernism and Family Therapy..................................................................... 23
Postmodernism ................................................................................................................... 23
African perspective ................................................................................................................. 27
SECTION B: .................................................................................................................................. 33
First Order Cybernetics and the role of the therapist .............................................................. 33
Second Order Cybernetics and the role of the therapist.......................................................... 35
Chapter 13: Postmodern Approaches ...................................................................................... 36
SECTION C ................................................................................................................................... 39
Change From First And Second Order Approaches ............................................................... 39
Chapter 15: Therapeutic Intervention/Perturbation ................................................................ 41
SECTION D ................................................................................................................................... 45
Ethical Considerations As A Therapist: .................................................................................. 45
SECTION E ................................................................................................................................... 49
Additional Task....................................................................................................................... 49
Chapter 2 – Historical perspective: ......................................................................................... 49
Additional Task....................................................................................................................... 52
SECTION F ................................................................................................................................... 53
Assignment: Poster ................................................................................................................. 53
Assignment: Review ............................................................................................................... 57
SECTION G ................................................................................................................................... 59
How to reference the textbook: APA 7th edition ..................................................................... 59
DOCUMENT RESOURCES ...................................................................................................... 61
2
, Property of Perfectionist Notes
Plagiarism/distribution/selling/illegal use of these notes will be prosecuted
SECTION A
Section A contains information for the poster, both MCQ assignments, parts of the essay assignment, as well as
parts of the final assignment for the module. You must understand the general concepts of Modernism, First
Order Cybernetics, Second Order Cybernetics and Postmodernism. These concepts create the basis of the
module. Understand their core differences and what sets them apart.
Chapter 1 - Two Different Worldviews
In this text the fundamental assumptions that comprise the roots of two different worldviews are described.
Each of these worldviews provides the foundation for two very different approaches to working with
clients: individual psychology and systemic family therapy. The framework, or worldview, underlying
individual psychology approaches probably is familiar to you because it is so much a part of our culture. On
the other hand, the worldview underlying family therapy is both different and counter-cultural (Becvar &
Becvar, 2014, pp. 1).
1. Framework of individual psychology
MODERNISM
Most of us have been socialized into a world whose philosophical assumptions (basic epistemology) are
firmly rooted in a Western, Lockean scientific tradition.
Socialization: the processes, both implicit and explicit, by which one learns the appropriate behaviours and
ways of thinking consistent with a particular social group
Informal socialization occurs in our families, and formal socialization occurs in schools.
In both places we are taught the rules that enable us to become productive members of our society. If you,
and your parents were educated in Western society, you likely were immersed in a perspective derived from
the thinking of John Locke – you were immersed in what the world of modernism
THE FUNDAMENTALS OF MODERNISM
linear cause/effect thinking is appropriate
Any problem is solvable if we can find an answer to the question: why?
Event A causes event B (A→B) in a linear (unidirectional) fashion. We hold A responsible for B, or blame
A for causing B. OR A did something to B and then C happened (A→B→C). THEREFORE: causality is
linear.
In Lockean theory, we understand the world as consisting of subjects and objects.
From this point of view, reality is considered to be separate from us, to exist outside our minds. Thus,
meaning comes from external experience and we are recipients: we recognize order rather than create it.
If we can reduce sequences of reality, into their smallest possible components (reductionism), then we can
uncover the laws according to which the world operates.
We understand the world to be deterministic and to operate according to lawlike principles which reveals
the absolute truths about reality
We as individuals are seen as reacting to and/or being determined by our reality rather than as creating it
According to this view, the appropriate scientific methodology is empirical and quantitative; knowledge
must be pursued by means of observation and experimentation. The results of such experimentation must be
measurable and objective.
The subject separate from the object of his or her observations
Reality and theories about reality are seen as either/or, black-or-white, right-or-wrong explanations.
Human behavior is determined either by internal events and/or by external environmental sequences to
which persons may react
Behavioural scientists embraced the notion of the mind/body dualism inherent in the belief that mind and
reality exist independently of each other.
3
, Property of Perfectionist Notes
Plagiarism/distribution/selling/illegal use of these notes will be prosecuted
Therefore, I as subject/mind can view object/reality from a distance without imposing my values or beliefs
on object/reality.
This premise has led us to believe that both objective measurement and a value-free science are possible
and to distrust the subjective dimension as being non-scientific
In this theory, we have directed our attention toward history, or previous events that led to current
problems, in order to understand human behaviour and find solutions to such problems.
If our goal is to reduce behaviour to the lowest common denominator, then we must focus either on the
individual and the individual’s specific behaviours or on the internal events of the human mind.
individual psychologies: such as psychoanalysis (Freud), analytical psychology (Jung), individual
psychology (Adler), Rogerian therapy (Rogers), behaviourism (Skinner), rational-emotive therapy (Ellis),
reality therapy (Glasser), and transactional analysis (Berne)
NOTE: Freud and Skinner do not fit epistemologically within the systematic theory as they fit in with the
individualistic and modernist perspective.
SUMMARY: Modernism has a reductionist view point of reality, as well as deterministic and objective.
Individuals react to reality and are largely determined by it. There is a mind/body dualism, as well as
subject/object dualism; they are uninfluenced and separate from each other. Due to the linear events theory,
modernists are focused on the past and how it has led to current issues. Empirical and quantitative scientific
methodology is pursued (Becvar & Becvar, 2014).
REWORD TO AVOID PLAGIARISM AS MANY STUDENTS HAVE ACCESS TO THIS DOCUMENT.
MODERNISM is based on the following assumptions about reality:
Asks, Why?
Linear cause/effect
Subject/object dualism
Either/or dichotomies
Value-free science
Deterministic/reactive
Laws and lawlike external reality
Historical focus
Individualistic
Reductionistic
Absolutistic
2. The Framework of Systemic Family Therapy
In this perspective, the underlying assumptions are contradictory to traditional ways of thinking in Western
society. Hence our use of the term counter-cultural to characterize systems theory and cybernetics.
THE FUNDAMENTALS OF SYSTEMS THEORY
Systems theory/cybernetics directs our attention away from the individual and individual problems viewed
in isolation and toward relationships and relationship issues between individuals.
The observer replaces the observed as the focus of attention.
Subjectivity is seen as inevitable based on the assumption that the one who is observing perceives, acts on,
and participates in creating his or her own reality.
In addition, the interdependence of observer and observed is an important aspect of a holistic perspective
that takes into account the context of their interaction.
Such interaction is seen as a noncausal, dialectical process of mutual exchange in which both have
influence.
Finally, understanding a family system requires assessing patterns of interaction, with an emphasis on what
is happening, rather than why it is happening.
4
PSYCHOLOGY
PYC4808
YEARLY CONTENT GUIDE
Perfectionist Notes
PRIVATE TUTOR FOR HONOURS IN PSYCHOLOGY - UNISA
helping you achieve your best results
TEXTBOOK USED:
Family Therapy: A Systemic Integration BY Dorothy Stroh Becvar M Raphael J. Becvar (Eighth Edition)2014
, Property of Perfectionist Notes
Plagiarism/distribution/selling/illegal use of these notes will be prosecuted
Table of Contents
SECTION A ..................................................................................................................................... 3
Chapter 1 - Two Different Worldviews .................................................................................... 3
Modernism ............................................................................................................................ 3
Chapter 3 - The Paradigmatic Shift of Systems Theory ........................................................... 6
First Order Cybernetics ......................................................................................................... 6
Second Order Cybernetics .................................................................................................. 14
Chapter 4: Postmodernism and Family Therapy..................................................................... 23
Postmodernism ................................................................................................................... 23
African perspective ................................................................................................................. 27
SECTION B: .................................................................................................................................. 33
First Order Cybernetics and the role of the therapist .............................................................. 33
Second Order Cybernetics and the role of the therapist.......................................................... 35
Chapter 13: Postmodern Approaches ...................................................................................... 36
SECTION C ................................................................................................................................... 39
Change From First And Second Order Approaches ............................................................... 39
Chapter 15: Therapeutic Intervention/Perturbation ................................................................ 41
SECTION D ................................................................................................................................... 45
Ethical Considerations As A Therapist: .................................................................................. 45
SECTION E ................................................................................................................................... 49
Additional Task....................................................................................................................... 49
Chapter 2 – Historical perspective: ......................................................................................... 49
Additional Task....................................................................................................................... 52
SECTION F ................................................................................................................................... 53
Assignment: Poster ................................................................................................................. 53
Assignment: Review ............................................................................................................... 57
SECTION G ................................................................................................................................... 59
How to reference the textbook: APA 7th edition ..................................................................... 59
DOCUMENT RESOURCES ...................................................................................................... 61
2
, Property of Perfectionist Notes
Plagiarism/distribution/selling/illegal use of these notes will be prosecuted
SECTION A
Section A contains information for the poster, both MCQ assignments, parts of the essay assignment, as well as
parts of the final assignment for the module. You must understand the general concepts of Modernism, First
Order Cybernetics, Second Order Cybernetics and Postmodernism. These concepts create the basis of the
module. Understand their core differences and what sets them apart.
Chapter 1 - Two Different Worldviews
In this text the fundamental assumptions that comprise the roots of two different worldviews are described.
Each of these worldviews provides the foundation for two very different approaches to working with
clients: individual psychology and systemic family therapy. The framework, or worldview, underlying
individual psychology approaches probably is familiar to you because it is so much a part of our culture. On
the other hand, the worldview underlying family therapy is both different and counter-cultural (Becvar &
Becvar, 2014, pp. 1).
1. Framework of individual psychology
MODERNISM
Most of us have been socialized into a world whose philosophical assumptions (basic epistemology) are
firmly rooted in a Western, Lockean scientific tradition.
Socialization: the processes, both implicit and explicit, by which one learns the appropriate behaviours and
ways of thinking consistent with a particular social group
Informal socialization occurs in our families, and formal socialization occurs in schools.
In both places we are taught the rules that enable us to become productive members of our society. If you,
and your parents were educated in Western society, you likely were immersed in a perspective derived from
the thinking of John Locke – you were immersed in what the world of modernism
THE FUNDAMENTALS OF MODERNISM
linear cause/effect thinking is appropriate
Any problem is solvable if we can find an answer to the question: why?
Event A causes event B (A→B) in a linear (unidirectional) fashion. We hold A responsible for B, or blame
A for causing B. OR A did something to B and then C happened (A→B→C). THEREFORE: causality is
linear.
In Lockean theory, we understand the world as consisting of subjects and objects.
From this point of view, reality is considered to be separate from us, to exist outside our minds. Thus,
meaning comes from external experience and we are recipients: we recognize order rather than create it.
If we can reduce sequences of reality, into their smallest possible components (reductionism), then we can
uncover the laws according to which the world operates.
We understand the world to be deterministic and to operate according to lawlike principles which reveals
the absolute truths about reality
We as individuals are seen as reacting to and/or being determined by our reality rather than as creating it
According to this view, the appropriate scientific methodology is empirical and quantitative; knowledge
must be pursued by means of observation and experimentation. The results of such experimentation must be
measurable and objective.
The subject separate from the object of his or her observations
Reality and theories about reality are seen as either/or, black-or-white, right-or-wrong explanations.
Human behavior is determined either by internal events and/or by external environmental sequences to
which persons may react
Behavioural scientists embraced the notion of the mind/body dualism inherent in the belief that mind and
reality exist independently of each other.
3
, Property of Perfectionist Notes
Plagiarism/distribution/selling/illegal use of these notes will be prosecuted
Therefore, I as subject/mind can view object/reality from a distance without imposing my values or beliefs
on object/reality.
This premise has led us to believe that both objective measurement and a value-free science are possible
and to distrust the subjective dimension as being non-scientific
In this theory, we have directed our attention toward history, or previous events that led to current
problems, in order to understand human behaviour and find solutions to such problems.
If our goal is to reduce behaviour to the lowest common denominator, then we must focus either on the
individual and the individual’s specific behaviours or on the internal events of the human mind.
individual psychologies: such as psychoanalysis (Freud), analytical psychology (Jung), individual
psychology (Adler), Rogerian therapy (Rogers), behaviourism (Skinner), rational-emotive therapy (Ellis),
reality therapy (Glasser), and transactional analysis (Berne)
NOTE: Freud and Skinner do not fit epistemologically within the systematic theory as they fit in with the
individualistic and modernist perspective.
SUMMARY: Modernism has a reductionist view point of reality, as well as deterministic and objective.
Individuals react to reality and are largely determined by it. There is a mind/body dualism, as well as
subject/object dualism; they are uninfluenced and separate from each other. Due to the linear events theory,
modernists are focused on the past and how it has led to current issues. Empirical and quantitative scientific
methodology is pursued (Becvar & Becvar, 2014).
REWORD TO AVOID PLAGIARISM AS MANY STUDENTS HAVE ACCESS TO THIS DOCUMENT.
MODERNISM is based on the following assumptions about reality:
Asks, Why?
Linear cause/effect
Subject/object dualism
Either/or dichotomies
Value-free science
Deterministic/reactive
Laws and lawlike external reality
Historical focus
Individualistic
Reductionistic
Absolutistic
2. The Framework of Systemic Family Therapy
In this perspective, the underlying assumptions are contradictory to traditional ways of thinking in Western
society. Hence our use of the term counter-cultural to characterize systems theory and cybernetics.
THE FUNDAMENTALS OF SYSTEMS THEORY
Systems theory/cybernetics directs our attention away from the individual and individual problems viewed
in isolation and toward relationships and relationship issues between individuals.
The observer replaces the observed as the focus of attention.
Subjectivity is seen as inevitable based on the assumption that the one who is observing perceives, acts on,
and participates in creating his or her own reality.
In addition, the interdependence of observer and observed is an important aspect of a holistic perspective
that takes into account the context of their interaction.
Such interaction is seen as a noncausal, dialectical process of mutual exchange in which both have
influence.
Finally, understanding a family system requires assessing patterns of interaction, with an emphasis on what
is happening, rather than why it is happening.
4
