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Family Systems Theory

Family systems theory views families as complex systems made up of interrelated and interdependent elements. A family system is defined by its structure of relationships between members, predictable patterns of interaction, and boundaries that determine what is inside and outside the system. Key aspects of family systems theory include that families have interrelated members and relationships; interact through repetitive cycles; can be open or closed systems; and function as a coherent whole that is more than the sum of its individual parts.

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474 views2 pages

Family Systems Theory

Family systems theory views families as complex systems made up of interrelated and interdependent elements. A family system is defined by its structure of relationships between members, predictable patterns of interaction, and boundaries that determine what is inside and outside the system. Key aspects of family systems theory include that families have interrelated members and relationships; interact through repetitive cycles; can be open or closed systems; and function as a coherent whole that is more than the sum of its individual parts.

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Cyrus Kayani
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CFS 410U, Winter 2001, C. Morgaine, Ph.D.

Family Systems Theory


This theory emerged from General Systems Theory by scholars who found it had many
applications to families and other social systems. Any system is defined as a bounded set
of interrelated elements exhibiting coherent behavior as a trait. (Constantine, 1986).
Another definition is an assemblage of objects related to each other by some regular
interaction or interdependence (Webster). Families are considered systems because they
are made up of interrelated elements or objectives, they exhibit coherent behaviors, they
have regular interactions, and they are interdependent on one another.
The Components of Family Systems Theory are as follows:
Family Systems
have interrelated elements and structure. The elements of a system are the
members of the family. Each element has characteristics; there are relationships
between the elements; the relationships function in an interdependent manner. All
of these create a structure, or the sum total of the interrelationships among the
elements, including membership in a system and the boundary between the
system and its environment.
interact in patterns. There are predictable patterns of interaction that emerge in a
family system. These repetitive cycles help maintain the familys equilibrium and
provide clues to the elements about how they should function.
have boundaries and can be viewed on a continuum from open to closed. Every
system has ways of including and excluding elements so that the line between
those within the system and those outside of the system is clear to all. If a family
is permeable and vague boundaries it is considered open. Open boundary
systems allows elements and situations outside the family to influence it. It may
even welcome external influences. Closed boundary systems isolate its members
from the environment and seems isolated and self-contained. No family system is
completely closed or completely open.
function by the Composition Law: the Whole is More than the Sum of Its Parts.
Every family system, even though it is made up of individual elements, results in
an organic whole. Overall family images and themes are reflected in this
wholistic quality. Unique behaviors may be ascribed to the entire system that do
not appropriately describe individual elements.
use messages and rules to shape members. Messages and rules are relationships
agreements which prescribe and limit a family members behavior over time.
They are repetitive and redundant. They are rarely, if ever, explicit or written
down. They give power; they induce guilt; they control or limit behaviors; and
they perpetuate themselves and reproduce. Most messages and rules can be stated
CFS 410U, Winter 2001, C. Morgaine, Ph.D.
in one or a few words. For example, More is good, Be responsible, and Be
Perfect are all examples of messages/rules.
have subsystems. Every family systems contains a number of small groups
usually made up of 2-3 people. The relationships between these people are
known as subsystems, coalitions, or alliances. Each subsystem has its own rules,
boundaries, and unique characteristics. Membership in subsystems can change
over time.

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