Systems Theory

Paper Summary:

This paper illustrates the psychological theory known as systems theory by discussing the case of a 14-year old boy who murdered his sister. The author gives an explanation of this murder in terms of systems theory, which is based on family social hierarchy and role. Also presented is a list of assumptions based on systems theory that is useful for understanding the behavior of the 14-year old. The paper concludes showing the boy's lack of appropriate role models and self-understanding, which may have lead him to commit such a violent act.

From the Paper:

"Systems Theory is very helpful for understanding the behavior of this 14-year old boy. In the family, the vertical or hierarchical subsystem is that of the parents; siblings represent the horizontal subsystem for the children. Also, according to Systems Theory, "The family is a bounded system in interaction with its environment. Within the family boundary are its members and their roles, norms, values, traditions, and goals, plus other elements that distinguish one family from another and the social environment (Longres, 1990, p. 274). Within a normal family boundary, a child learns appropriate rules or input about who does what with whom. And, an open system with flexible boundaries is supposed to facilitate the throughput that will allow the child to process the output in a useful way. When all goes as expected the output should be some degree of appropriate conduct. And, an open system is in constant interaction with the child's environment, providing feedback to allow the child to make adjustments in behavior as required."

Sample of Sources Used:

• "Brother Arrested in Slaying of Girl, 4." Washington Post 20. Sept., 2004: B-1
• Longres, John F. Human Behavior in the Social Environment. Itasca, IL: F. E. Peacock Publishers, Inc., 1990
• "Teen Appears in DC Court In Slaying of Sister, 4." Washington Post 21 Sept. 2004: B-3

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• Essay # 25752 : "Bowen Family Systems Theory"
• Term Paper # 114535 : "Ecological Systems Theory"

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