W3 - group systems and communication in groups Flashcards
Characteristics of symptoms
- Systems are composed of subsystems
- A system is greater than the sum of it’s parts
- A change in one part effects other parts of the system
- Systems have boundaries
- Systems have a mission
- Each part of a system plays a role in the system’s survival
Systems of a group
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- group influenced by those in the group and systems outside of the group
Systems are composed of subsystems
- formation of smaller subgroups within group
- members align themselves with others in the group with shared interests/qualities
- sometimes form in response to specific group issue where members take similar viewpoints
A system is greater than the sum of it’s parts
- rather than focusing on each separate part the group focuses on the relationships and interconnectedness of the group and it’s members
- systems are the product of the interaction of their parts
A change in one part effects other parts of the system
- mutual causality
- each change from one member effects all other members
Systems have boundaries
- physical boundaries
- psychosocial boundaries
- acceptable behaviour -> norms and rules
Meshed: groups with rigid boundary definitions are said to be disengaged, lack cohesion and have interpersonal distance seen in cold and unfriendly interactions unlikely to share and receive beneficial information
Enmeshed: high degree of dependence and interpersonal support, unclear boundary definitions. Can come at the expense of autonomy and individuality
Systems have a mission
- formed to perform function or fulfil purpose
- perception of mission comes from perceptions by members
Each part of a system plays a role in the system’s survival
- each member can influence whether the group thrives or struggles
Family as a system
- individuals are understood within the context of their family
- family is seen as a living organism. Individuals play roles in the overall functioning of the family organism
- change in one member of the family will affect the other members, as well as the family-as-a-whole
- behaviours are believed to arise due to the interrelated nature and connectedness of various family members
Rigid boundaries
Rigid boundaries are found in families where the members are isolated from one another and communication has broken down. In these families, there is little respect for the individuality of the people in the family
Diffuse boundaries
These boundaries are found in overly involved families. In these families, there is a blurring of the line between parents and children. Parents may act like their children’s friends and children run the risk of becoming too involved with their parents
High functioning families
- boundaries are clearly defined
- freedom of speech
- equal power and consideration for feelings
- accepted differences
- members feel at ease
Low functioning families
- rigid expectations
- unequal power and little consideration for feelings
- no acceptance of differing views
- do not seek to comfort others
Family systems therapy
- a branch of psychotherapy that works with families and couples in intimate relationships to overcome problems (e.g. conflict) and nurture positive change.
- It tends to view change in terms of the systems of interaction between family members and emphasises family relationships as an important factor in psychological health
Assumptions of family systems therapy about problematic behaviour or psychological distress
- Serve a function or purpose for the family unit
- Be a result of the family’s inability to operate productively especially during developmental transitions
- Be a symptom of dysfunctional patterns handed down across generations
