Historical Overview of Family Systems Theory

This theory has been utilized to explain how relationships between family members, family dynamics, interactions, and multigenerational behavioral patterns contribute to the overall health and wellbeing of the individuals embedded in that system (Priest, 2021). In contrast to earlier theories of human behavior and psychotherapy that focused solely on the individual, family systems theory encourages therapists to focus treatment on the interconnected, complex social system that surrounds individuals. Family members are influenced by each other, and if the unit is dysfunctional, all individuals are impacted. Fortunately, the converse is true as well! A change in any one part of the system can spark change in the whole. Context is also a major factor in family systems theory; understanding how problems are created and perpetuated within the larger social context deeply informs our understanding of the specific family dynamic. In the best of circumstances, these interrelated parts contribute to a healthy, growing relationship; at worst, detriment and deterioration of the individual and family unit.

As the field and practice of family therapy continues to move forward, it’s important to understand the history of family systems theory, including what it is, who developed it, and why it remains a significant driving force behind the work we do today.

Brief history and leading figures

Throughout the 20^th century, scientific and cultural advances played a role in the development of family systems theory, including the emerging sciences of psychoanalysis, behaviorism, humanism, and cybernetics. These, coupled with the impact of World War II, subsequent economic growth in the United States and sociocultural upheaval, led to the development of an approach we now know as family systems theory.

Much in the way individual family members impact the unit as a whole, many practitioners over the years have contributed significantly to the ideas and applications of family systems theory. Austrian biologist Ludwig von Bertalanffy (1968) is credited with the development of general systems theory, with ideas and concepts that were critical in support of family systems theory. He defined defined a “system” as an interrelated set of elements, and those complex systems all have commonalities, regardless of the field being discussed (von Bertalanffy, 1968). The theory emphasizes both the structure and the function of the system. The earliest family therapists then began to apply von Bertalanffy’s ideas to their work, including Virginia Satir, often referred to as “the mother of family therapy” (Satir, 1983.). As a leader in the field of family therapy, Satir incorporated the ideas from general systems theory and cybernetics into her work. She emphasized the role of communication and emotional expression within the family unit, which formed the basis of her approach, the human growth validation process (Satir,1983).

Another key figure, Murray Bowen, developed the Bowen Family Systems Theory which focuses on the idea that problematic patterns of interaction and behavior can be passed down through generations and persist in the family system (Bowen,1978). Bowen’s emphasis on the role and influence of family patterns, as well as the impact of the overall emotional climate in the family system, was a major shift for the approach to addressing problems in a therapeutic context.

Strategic family therapy was developed by Jay Haley, known as a founding father of family therapy during the 1950s and 60s, and was strongly influenced by the works of Milton Erickson (Haley, 1976). As another way to apply family systems theory, strategic family therapy focuses on the family system dynamics and how the symptoms presented are a function of that system. These symptoms perpetuate the dysfunction in the family dynamic, and interrupting the cycle through purposeful, if sometimes surprising, means is the key to change.

In the mid to late 1960s, Argentine psychiatrist and family therapist Salvador Minuchin further defined the patterns common to troubled families. He worked closely with the families of children at the Wiltwyck School for Boys in New York and developed structural family therapy. This theory explores relationships between family members to identify troubling patterns. The roles, rules, hierarchies, and existing boundaries present in a system can be important contextual factors that contribute to, if not “cause,” problems in individuals (Minuchin, Montalvo, Guerney, Rosman, & Schumer, 1967).

These brilliant minds laid the groundwork for the continued evolution and application of family systems theory to all sorts of presenting problems.

Why is it important?

Family systems theory provides the overall foundation of couples and family therapy, regardless of whether we are working with a family or an individual client (Priest, 2021). As therapists, we use family systems theory to direct us to specific models that lead us in development of treatment plans and conceptualizing our efforts to help people effect change. By using family systems theory as the foundation for our work, we have a greater understanding of clinical issues. Couple and family therapy has been found to be successful in working with diverse clinical populations, including single-parent households, various ethnic/racial groups, and low-income families in particular (Huff & Hartenstein, 2020; Ma, Xia, Yau-Ng, & Yiu, 2021; Weaver, Greeno, Fusco, Zimmerman, & Anderson, 2019). Beyond the clinical setting, couple and family therapists have utilized family systems theory in larger systems such as schools, community, and the healthcare system. Increasingly, couple and family therapists are using systems theory to critically appraise systemic injustice, and to inform efforts to be actively anti-racist, anti-heterosexist, and to contribute to dismantling oppressive systems (Tadros, Owens, Middleton, 2021; McGeorge, Coburn, & Walsdorf, 2021; Roberts & Trejo, 2022). If we believe the strength of our models is rooted in the strength of our theory, then the family therapy tree will continue to thrive for years to come. As we prune and protect our practices, we will only grow stronger together.