From 1st and 2nd order cybernetics to Complexity: Building grounded theories of family complexity in family therapy process research

Abstract

Family therapy has advanced, since its inception, in close connection with systems’ sciences and cybernetics. However, it has not kept up with the new developments in Complexity sciences. In this paper, we propose that the core concepts of Complexity may be worth inspecting, although with caution, to help the field develop a deeper understanding of therapeutic family dynamics. Inspired by Complexity approaches we propose the adoption of a research program aiming to understand family complexity. Specifically, we propose, as a first step, the use of grounded theory, guided by complexity concepts, to identify and describe core coordination variables, control parameters, dynamical patterns and pattern dynamics of therapeutic family change. We defend that these Grounded Theories of Family Complexity may then provide a foundation mathematical modeling of family change processes.