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Why families are not like swamps, solar systems, or thermostats: Some limits of systems theory as applied to family therapy

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Abstract

Family systems theory presents an answer to the riddles of mental disorder and human functioning that stands in marked contrast to other prevailing views based on linearity and traditional science. At this stage of its development, the family systems view does not provide an internally coherent, predictive, or unifying theory about humans and their problems. Further, it tends to both undercontextualize and overcontextualize behavior, substitutes blaming the family for blaming the victim, reifies and anthropomorhizes the systems metaphor, dismisses such concepts as power and responsibility, and discourages research. As one theoretical and clinical perspective among many, however, it can be helpful and eye-opening.

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Author notes

  1. William T. Merkel PhD

    Present address: Providence Medical Center, Department of Medical Education, 4805 N.B. Glisan Street, OR97213-2967, Portland

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of the General Internal Medicine Residency Program at Providence Medical Center, Portland

    William T. Merkel PhD

  2. Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, USA

    H. Russell Searight PhD (assistant professor of psychology)

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  1. William T. Merkel PhD
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Merkel, W.T., Searight, H.R. Why families are not like swamps, solar systems, or thermostats: Some limits of systems theory as applied to family therapy. Contemp Fam Ther 14, 33–50 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00891748

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