family systems theory
a broad conceptual model that focuses on the relationships between and among interacting individuals in a family and combines core concepts from general systems theory, cybernetics, family development theory, object relations theory, and social learning theory. Underlying various family therapies, the theory stresses that therapists must see the whole family, rather than work only with individual members, to create constructive, systemic, and lasting changes in the family. Also called Bowen family systems theory; family systems model. [developed by U.S. psychiatrist Murray Bowen (1913–1990)]