Republic of the Philippines
DAVAO ORIENTAL
STATE UNIVERSITY
A university of excellence, innovation, and inclusion
Module: Marriage and Family Relationship
Lesson2. Understanding Family Systems Theory
Time frame: 1 week
Learning Objectives:
At the end of these lessons, the students are expected to:
1. define Family Systems Theory and explain its foundational principles,
including interdependence, homeostasis, and boundaries.
2. Explain the concept of feedback loops (positive and negative) within family
systems and their role in maintaining or altering family dynamics.
3. Identify the common roles that individuals assume within family subsystems.
Key Principles of Family Systems Theory
1. Interdependence: Family members are emotionally connected, and their behaviors
influence one another. Example: If a parent experiences job loss and becomes stressed,
their emotional state may lead to increased tension in the marital relationship and impact
the children’s behavior.
2. Circular Causality: Interactions within the family are reciprocal, with no single cause
for behavior. Instead, behavior is part of a feedback loop.Example: A child’s tantrum
might escalate a parent’s frustration, which in turn increases the child’s acting out,
creating a cycle of escalating behaviors.
3. Triangulation: When tension exists between two family members, they may involve a
third member to diffuse or redirect the conflict. Example: In a marital disagreement, one
parent may confide in a child, drawing them into the conflict and potentially creating
loyalty issues.
4. Boundaries: Boundaries define the level of emotional closeness and separateness
within and between subsystems (e.g., marital, parental, sibling). Healthy families have
clear but flexible boundaries.
Rigid Boundaries: Lead to disengagement or emotional distance.
Diffuse Boundaries: Lead to enmeshment, where family members are overly
involved in one another’s lives.
5. Family Roles: Each family member typically assumes specific roles, such as the
caregiver, mediator, or problem-solver. Example: In a family where the father is absent,
the eldest sibling might take on the parental role, leading to role confusion.
6. Differentiation of Self: This principle refers to an individual’s ability to maintain their
sense of identity while staying emotionally connected to the family. Highly differentiated
individuals can manage their emotions and think rationally, even in stressful situations.
Republic of the Philippines
DAVAO ORIENTAL
STATE UNIVERSITY
A university of excellence, innovation, and inclusion
Low Differentiation: Leads to overdependence on family approval or chronic
conflict.
High Differentiation: Allows individuals to balance autonomy with emotional
closeness.
7. Family Life Cycle: Families go through predictable stages, such as marriage,
childbirth, raising teenagers, and aging. Each stage presents unique challenges and
requires adjustments to maintain system stability. Example: The birth of a child shifts the
family dynamics, requiring new roles and responsibilities.
8. Homeostasis: Families strive for stability (homeostasis), even if the patterns are
unhealthy. When changes occur, families may resist to maintain equilibrium. Example: If
a teenager starts asserting independence, parents may tighten control to restore the “status
quo,” potentially leading to conflict.
Applications of Family Systems Theory
1. Conflict Resolution: By identifying patterns of interaction, therapists can help families
break unhealthy cycles and establish healthier communication. Example: A family with
frequent arguments may learn to replace criticism with active listening techniques.
2. Parenting and Child Behavior: FST explains how parenting styles and family
dynamics shape children’s development. Example: In an enmeshed family, a child might
struggle with independence in adulthood.
3. Coping with Life Transitions: Families can apply FST principles to navigate changes
like divorce, loss, or relocation. Example: During a divorce, establishing clear
boundaries helps minimize the emotional impact on children.
Case Example: Family Systems Theory in Action
Scenario:
A family consists of two parents (Anna and Ben) and their two children (Emily and Jack).
Ben loses his job, leading to financial stress.
Application of Principles:
1. Interdependence: Ben’s stress affects his emotional availability, leading to
arguments with Anna. The tension impacts Emily’s academic performance and
Jack’s increased defiance.
2. Circular Causality: Emily’s struggles in school exacerbate Anna’s worry, further
straining her relationship with Ben, creating a cycle of stress.
3. Triangulation: Emily aligns with her mother, creating a divide with Ben, who
feels alienated.
4. Homeostasis: Despite the dysfunction, the family continues to operate in this
stressful pattern, resisting change.
Republic of the Philippines
DAVAO ORIENTAL
STATE UNIVERSITY
A university of excellence, innovation, and inclusion
5. Intervention: A therapist helps the family recognize their patterns, establish
healthier boundaries, and improve communication.
Diagram of Family Systems Theory
A simple diagram can illustrate:
The family as a system.
Subsystems (marital, parental, sibling).
Arrows showing interactions and feedback loops between members.
Conclusion
Family Systems Theory provides a powerful lens for understanding family dynamics and
addressing relational challenges. By focusing on interconnectedness, roles, and
communication patterns, FST offers tools for fostering healthier, more functional
families.
Application:
Exercise1. Explain the principle of homeostasis in a family system. Provide an example.
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Exercise2. How do healthy boundaries differ from rigid or diffuse boundaries in family
systems?
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