Family Systems Theory
Family systems theory places primary focus on exchanges of behavior that take place in a given moment of interaction between members of the family. The theory maintains that patterns of interaction between family members call forth, maintain, and perpetuate both problem and nonproblematic behavior. Nonpathology oriented, family system theory seeks to identify and bring forth reconstitutive behavioral exchanges between family members. Emphasis is placed on identifying and interrupting repeating sequences of behavioral exchanges of which the problem behavior is a part. When these problem perpetuating patterns are successfully interrupted, the problem behavior dissipates and treatment is complete. Keywords: family; interaction; pattern; sequence; system; transaction; triangle