Understanding The Science: What Is Systems Psychology?
Systems Psychology, a little-known yet increasingly influential branch of psychology, offers a unique approach to understanding human behavior. But what exactly is it? And how does it differ from more traditional fields of psychology?
Systems Psychology is rarely discussed in psychology, often flying under the radar of mainstream understanding. Yet, despite its low profile, it's quietly revolutionized how we comprehend and interact with the world. So let's dive deeper to see what this field is all about.
History of systems psychology
The origins of systems psychology are intertwined with the rise of systems theory in the mid-20th century. As scientists from various disciplines began to see the value of studying systems rather than isolated components, psychologists also adopted this perspective.
Prominent figures in the development of systems psychology include Ludwig von Bertalanffy, who first proposed general systems theory, and Gregory Bateson, who applied systems concepts to the field of psychology.
The emergence of systems psychology
Born out of the post-World War II scientific revolution, Systems Psychology emerged from a desire to understand the complex relationships and interactions that define human behavior. You might ask, "Why was such a shift necessary?"
Traditional psychology often focuses on the individual, examining thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in isolation. However, Systems Psychology takes a different approach, considering the individual as part of a more extensive, interconnected system.
The key concepts of systems psychology
Two crucial concepts are at the heart of Systems Psychology: Systems Theory and Cybernetics.
Systems theory
First, let's dive into Systems Theory. This idea posits that behavior cannot be understood in isolation but must be viewed within the context of the system in which it occurs. For example, picture a set of gears in a clock.
Each gear is crucial; they all work together to keep the clock ticking. Similarly, every element of a system interacts with and influences the others. When applied to psychology, this theory suggests that our behaviors are shaped by our relationships and interactions within our various "systems," such as families, workplaces, or communities.
Cybernetics
Next up, Cybernetics. Stemming from the Greek word for "steersman," it refers to the study of systems and processes in mechanical, biological, and social systems. For example, ever wondered how a thermostat maintains a room's temperature?
That's a simple example of a cybernetic system. It's all about feedback loops and control. In Systems Psychology, cybernetics helps explain how people respond to feedback from their environment and adjust their behaviors accordingly.
The application of systems psychology
Now that we have a basic understanding of the key concepts let's see how Systems Psychology is applied in the real world.
In therapy and counseling
In a therapeutic setting, Systems Psychology might be used to understand and address issues within a family or a couple. The psychologist considers not just the individual's behaviors but how those behaviors are influenced by—and influence—the dynamics of the entire system.
In organizational settings
In the world of business, Systems Psychology can help optimize team performance and improve workplace dynamics. It allows us to understand how team members influence each other and how their interactions can shape the overall team's performance. So, it's like a football team, where each player's action affects the team's overall performance.
In social systems
Systems Psychology also plays a crucial role in understanding societal dynamics. It helps us understand how individual behaviors and societal structures influence each other. For example, imagine a city as an extensive, complex system. The actions of its inhabitants and the city's infrastructure continually interact and influence each other, shaping the city's overall character and functionality.
Systems psychology vs. traditional psychology
At this point, you might be wondering, "How does Systems Psychology differ from traditional psychology?" Let's break it down:
Approach
Traditional psychology focuses on the individual, often emphasizing internal mental processes. In contrast, Systems Psychology focuses on the interconnectedness of individuals within their environments. Think of it like looking at a painting. Traditional psychology might focus on one color or brush stroke, while Systems Psychology would consider the entire canvas and how each stroke contributes to the overall picture.
Purpose
While both approaches aim to understand and enhance human behavior, Systems Psychology often has a broader goal of improving the overall system's functioning. For example, picture a garden: while a traditional approach might focus on helping one plant thrive, a Systems Psychology approach would aim to create a flourishing ecosystem.
The impact of systems psychology
So, what's the impact of this approach? Why should we care?
On individual behavior
Systems Psychology allows us to see how our behavior is influenced by and influences the various systems we are part of. It's like realizing that you're not just a single fish but part of a larger school, moving and flowing with the currents of your environment.
On social dynamics
At a larger scale, Systems Psychology can help us understand and address societal issues. For example, it can provide insights into how different societal systems—like education, healthcare, or government—interact and influence individual and group behavior.
Criticisms of systems psychology
First and foremost, critics have questioned the specificity of systems psychology. The field strives to understand human behavior in terms of intricate, interconnected systems, familial, societal, or ecological. While providing a holistic perspective, this broad focus can often lead to a degree of vagueness or indeterminacy.
It is argued that the approach can sometimes oversimplify or overlook the distinctiveness of individual experiences and behaviors. Critics argue that systems psychology risks losing sight of the individual's unique experiences and the specific factors that influence their behavior by focusing on the collective or system as a whole.
This lack of specificity can also translate into challenges in diagnosing and treating psychological issues. In clinical psychology, for instance, it is crucial to pinpoint specific symptoms, causes, and appropriate interventions for each individual. Critics contend that systems psychology, emphasizing broad systems and networks of influence, might not provide the granular level of detail necessary for effective diagnosis and treatment.
Broad and interconnected focus
Furthermore, the system's broad and interconnected focus can make it challenging to derive concrete solutions to psychological problems. Unlike more focused psychological approaches, which might provide specific therapeutic interventions or treatments for particular issues, systems psychology tends to offer more generalized solutions that address the system as a whole. Critics argue that this might not always be helpful, as it may not provide immediate or direct solutions to pressing individual psychological problems.
Implementing systemic interventions can be challenging due to the intricate nature of the systems themselves. Changes to one part of the system can lead to unforeseen consequences in other parts, making it difficult to predict and manage the outcomes of systemic interventions. This can lead to a level of uncertainty that is often discomforting in the clinical context, where predictability and control over outcomes are highly valued.
This approach's systemic focus often requires a higher level of systemic awareness and understanding from both the clinician and the client. This can create a barrier to entry for those unfamiliar with the systems psychology approach and may limit its accessibility and usefulness for some individuals.
How systems psychology enhances online counseling
In online counseling, systems psychology focuses on the individual client as part of a network of systems. This includes their interpersonal relationships, families, communities, workplaces, cultural norms, and the digital landscape. These systems constantly interact and influence each other, shaping individuals' mental health and well-being.
Understanding the ecosystemic perspective allows therapists to deliver more comprehensive and effective interventions. For example, online counseling can address an individual's mental health symptoms and the systemic influences contributing to them. This could include interpersonal conflicts, workplace stressors, or cultural stigma around mental health.
Individual and systemic assessment
Systems psychology facilitates a holistic understanding of clients. Therapists assess the individual's psychological health and the systemic factors influencing it. This includes social relationships, cultural norms, and environmental factors. This comprehensive assessment can inform more tailored and effective treatment plans.
Systemic interventions
Leveraging systems psychology, therapists can design interventions that address systemic issues. For instance, in addition to individual cognitive-behavioral strategies, a therapist might recommend family therapy to address relational dynamics contributing to the client's concerns.
Cultural competence
Systems psychology highlights the importance of understanding clients within their cultural context. This includes considering cultural norms, beliefs, and values influencing mental health. In online counseling, therapists can use this perspective to create a safe and inclusive therapeutic environment, regardless of the client's location.
Interdisciplinary collaboration
Systems psychology underscores the interconnectedness of different life domains. This perspective encourages collaboration with other professionals, such as medical doctors, social workers, or educators, to address multiple aspects of a client's well-being. In online therapy, interdisciplinary collaboration can be conveniently facilitated through digital communication.
Effectiveness of online therapy and systems psychology
Regarding the use of systems psychology in online therapy, research is still relatively limited. However, some studies have shown promising results. For example, a recent study found that family therapy delivered via videoconferencing was as effective as in-person therapy for various issues, including depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.
Another study looked specifically at systems-oriented therapy in online treatment for couples experiencing relationship distress. The researchers found that online therapy was effective in improving relationship satisfaction and reducing depressive symptoms and that these improvements were maintained at a follow-up assessment several months later.
Takeaway
Essentially, systems psychology provides a distinctive perspective to observe human behavior. It extends beyond the individual to scrutinize the intricate, interlinked systems that mold our actions and experiences. Analogous to a tree existing as part of a forest, we belong to several interconnected systems, each affecting us and, in turn, being affected by us.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What is the systems theory in psychology?
Systems theory finds its roots in the biological sciences, where living systems are categorized by a group of parts that interact to form a coherent whole. Living systems have distinct boundaries that separate them from external elements and distinguishing between factors that impact the open system and outputs created by the systems control. The postulating theory complex systems control, meaning that each part of a system impacts something else within the system. The biological theory, systems theory makes it appear possible to predict what might happen when a system experiences a known change. This biological theory, systems theory, has been applied to the field of applied psychology.
In psychology theory, systems theory views individuals as seeking homeostasis within their system. To achieve this, the expectations, desires, and behaviors of each individual within the system must be considered. The principles of systems psychology are often cited in the study of cognitive systems theory, organizational psychology, organismic systems, contract-systems psychology, and family systems therapy. In the late 1960s, Dr. Murray Brown applied this systems model to the family system and created family systems therapy. When looking at systems theory through the lens of the family system, Dr. Bowen stated that that the family system is an emotional unit and assumes that individuals cannot be understood in isolation. Rather, for family systems therapy to work, each individual is seen as contributing to the functioning of the family.
The efficacy of family systems therapy has led to applications outside of solely looking at families. Utilizing systems theory outside of family systems therapy has allowed psychologists to look at how systems control and influence other areas of life. Looking at dynamical systems has allowed psychologists to apply this concept to address anxiety, body image issues, eating disorders, depression, substance abuse, and relationship issues.
What is a systems theory approach?
A systems theory approach looks at how various systems relate to one another within a larger, more complex system. When looking at an issue or a situation holistically, certain characteristics cannot be easily explained when looking at just one piece of the situation; rather, everything impacting the situation must be explored.
In family systems therapy, when issues arise, the entire family unit is looked at instead of focusing on one individual and the various issues that the individual may be struggling with. In family systems therapy, communication, behavior, and familial relationships are examined within and beyond the therapy session.
In organizational psychology or work, psychology looks at the workplace and various issues that arise within it. Looking at systems theory related to organizational psychology, characteristics of organizational behavior such as individual needs, rewards, expectations, and individuals interacting with the organization, are all considered to determine where the breakdown is within the system and how to create change. As it relates to organizational psychology, systems theory looks at how individuals and various organizational mechanisms work together to influence the larger system.
The idea behind a systems theory approach is to look at the larger system and its impact on individuals and vice versa instead of looking at an individual and their issues in a vacuum.
What is an example of systems theory?
An easy example of systems theory is baking. If you had never baked a cake before and walked into a kitchen and saw eggs, flour, sugar, oil, and all of the other ingredients on the counter and were told that together these make a cake, you might be puzzled. Your confusion stems from the fact that no single ingredient can produce a baked cake on its own. Now imagine that you have a baked cake in front of you, you taste it, it’s sweet, so you know there must be sugar in there and you reason that there is likely flour in there too. You wouldn’t be able to bake a cake based on your knowledge that sugar and flour are used; rather, you would need to consider and learn about the rest of the ingredients and how they are combined to make the final product. The point of systems theory is that you cannot just consider anything in isolation; rather, you must consider how all pieces influence each other.
What are the four elements of a system under the system theory?
In systems theory, every system is bounded by space and time, influenced by its environment, defined by its structure and purpose, and expressed through its functioning.
Who invented systems theory?
Systems theory is rooted in the biological sciences, as some of the founders of systems science theory’s core concepts are biologists – Ludwig Bertalanffy and Humberto Maturana. One of the main views of the systems science approach is that an individual or group is influenced by many moving parts that impact one another. The systems science theory approach principles have been applied to psychology to explain and explore behavioral patterns. Applying systems science to what is now systems theory in applied psychology was spearheaded by several individuals with a rich psychology history, including Gregory Bateson, Murray Bowen, W. Ross Ashby, and Margaret Mead. Dr. Murray Bowen applied systems theory to the family unit and developed family systems theory and proxy, family systems therapy. Family systems therapy looks at how individuals in the family impact the larger family unit.
What does the systems theory focus on?
What are the 3 key assumptions to systems theory?
What is the systems perspective?
What is systems level thinking?
What is a weakness of systems theory?
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