MFT Green Book - CHAPTER 2- CONCEPTUAL FOUNDATIONS

General Systems Theory

Systems are interrelated parts where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts

Cybernetics

Study of feedback and control mechanisms in systems

Circular Causality

Mutual influence where behaviors affect each other in a loop

Linear Causality

One-direction cause and effect relationship

Positive Feedback Loop

Amplifies change or deviation in a system

Negative Feedback Loop

Reduces deviation and maintains stability

Entropy

Tendency of a system to deteriorate or break down

Negative Entropy

Ability of a system to maintain balance and adapt

Equifinality

Different paths leading to the same outcome

Equipotentiality

Same starting point leading to different outcomes

Open System

System that interacts freely with environment

Closed System

System that resists interaction and external input

Suprasystem

Larger system in which a system exists (e.g.society)

Recursiveness

Circular interaction where behaviors mutually influence each other

Isomorphism

Similar patterns repeating across different systems

Morphostasis

System’s tendency to resist change

Morphogenesis

System’s capacity for growth and change

Process

How interactions occur in a system

Structure

Repeated and predictable interaction patterns

Ripple Effect

Change in one part of system affects entire system

Cognitive Maps

Internal frameworks used to interpret and respond to experiences

Decomposition Law

Understanding both internal processes and interpersonal interactions

Meta-communication

Communication about communication that modifies meaning

Analogic Communication

Nonverbal or symbolic communication

Digital Communication

Verbal communication based on words and meaning

Report Component

Content of a message

Command Component

Relational meaning of a message (power/control)

Proxemics

Use of space in communication

Haptics

Communication through touch

Paralinguistics

Tone

Kinesthetic Communication

Communication through body movement

Constant Message

Repeated message that loses meaning over time

Self-Canceling Message

Message that contradicts itself

Tangential Communication

Irrelevant or distracting communication

Hyperbolic Communication

Exaggerated communication style

Echoing Communication

Repeating message without adding meaning

Symptomatic Communication

Using symptoms to communicate

Impervious Communication

Receiver is unreceptive to message

Literal-Figurative Confusion

Misinterpreting figurative language as literal