Cybernetic Functionality of the Family Network

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Abstract
The cybernetic functionality of a family unit is like that of a computer network or program. At the core of this functionality is a set of components and systems that operate as a single unit. The feedback loop communicates this process. The feedback loop communicates with the working parts of the system and generates system messages. These messages, either positive or negative, provide an indication as to the operating status. If the system provides positive feedback, it indicates that the system is operating within stated parameters, whereas negative feedback indicates a malfunction in the system. This same process can easily be applied to a family unit because the functionality of all members of a family is like that of a computer network. Therapists using solid case conceptualization techniques combined with an understanding of cybernetic function can extrapolate the human data from each component of the family unit to assess the malfunction, and work with the clients to develop and implement a roadmap for treatment.

 

Cybernetics

Cybernetics is an investigative process that focuses on communication and control theory as applied to the study of automated control systems (Nichols, 2013). Although there are several meanings of the word, cybernetics was initially defined by Norbert Wiener (1894-1964) as a scientific method of control and communication of animals or machines (Cybernetics, n.d.; Cybernetics, 2017; Nichols, 2013). This process of communication, detection and status reporting is a common action in computers that allows the user to detect if the computer is operating at normal tolerance, or is a component is reaching failure. For example, when a person initiates a computer startup, the system first checks the functionality of all internal components. If those components are functioning at optimal status, the system will boot. However, if the system detects a component failure, the boot sequence will be aborted, and the user will receive an error message; this is called a feedback loop.

 

Because humans operate in a similar manner to computers in the process of receiving, interpreting, and storing data to memory for later retrieval, the process of applying cybernetics to the study of humans operates in a similar manner (Ma, Adescope, Nesbit & Liu, 2014; Nichols, 2013). The process, if properly applied, allows researchers, doctors, and therapists to gain an understanding of the internal functionality of the nervous system and brain function. For example, the brain and nervous system work in conjunction. The brain sends electronic data to the nervous system to control body functions. If the feedback loop processes correctly, the function will occur. However, if the process is interrupted, the process will fail. The similar function operates in a family feedback loop.  Family units are composed of key figures like parents, children, and grandparents (Nichols, 2013). If one or more of the components of the family unit, the system will experience a glitch or failure, and problems will arise in the cohesiveness of the family function (Minuchin, 1985; Nichols, 2013).

 

Cybernetics in Family Therapy
Family units operate in an analogous manner as a large computer network, but in a biological sense. Considering the family and the computer network are both composed of individual autonomous systems operating at maximum capacity as a singular unit, it is easy for researchers to distinguish family operational patterns based on the feedback of the individual units (Ma, Adescope, Nesbit & Liu, 2014; Nichols, 2013). The primary difference is that network specialists use automated systems checks to ensure the network is operating at maximum efficiency, whereas a psychologist or family therapist would use individual, and feedback received by family members to determine if the family unit is operating at maximum efficiency (Minuchin, 1985; Nichols, 2013).

 

Case Conceptualization

Case conceptualization is a key component of patient diagnosis and treatment planning (Robley, & Fulkerson, 2015; Sanders, 2013). Additionally, case conceptualization provides additional tools a therapist needs to collaborate with supervisors and colleagues, provide a thorough consultation, and be proficient in examinations, and interviews (Sanders, 2013). Proper application of case conceptualization will allow a therapist to provide a comprehensive initial examination to determine the presenting problem, patient history, proper diagnosis, and provide solid justification of the diagnosis (Robly, & Fulkerson, 2015; Sanders, 2013). Furthermore, the therapist will be proficient in developing a treatment plan roadmap that takes into consideration the aspects of human diversity, ethical and legal considerations, and prognosis for the client(s) (Robley, & Fulkerson, 2015; Sanders, 2013).

 

Conclusion
Unlike electronic interactions, people have intricacies and variations in thought process influenced by individual perceptions of events. Unlike electronic systems, one cannot simply remove and replace the malfunctioning component when interacting with and counseling people. Cybernetics and case conceptualization are two key components in determining successful therapist-client interactions, process, and treatment. Understanding the nuances of cybernetic interactions provides insight into an entire family unit by receiving and evaluating information provided by the feedback loop of the individual components. Case conceptualization enhances cybernetic interactions by providing the core skills a therapist will use to compile the information, take an active role in evaluating the client(s) needs, providing solid feedback, and determining a proper course of treatment by developing obtainable and justifiable diagnosis and prognosis.

 

References

Cybernetics. (n.d.). Retrieved January 22, 2017, from https://www2.gwu.edu/~asc/cyber_definition.html

 

Cybernetics | Definition of Cybernetics by Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cybernetics

 

Ma, W., Adescope, O. O., Nesbit, J. C., & Liu, Q. (2014). Intelligent Tutoring Systems and Learning Outcomes: A Meta-Analysis. Journal of Educational Psychology,106(4), 901-918. Retrieved January 22, 2017, from http://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/features/edu-a0037123.pdf

 

Minuchin, P. (1985). Families and Individual Development: Provocations from the Field of Family Therapy. Child Development, 56(2), 289-302. doi:10.2307/1129720

 

Nichols, M. P. (2013). Family therapy: concepts and methods (10th ed.). Boston: Pearson.

 

Robey, P., & Fulkerson, M. (2015). Case Conceptualization and Treatment Planning. Retrieved January 22, 2017, from http://www.wglasser.com/conf-downloads/Caseconceptualization-%20Robey-Fulkerson.pdf

 

Sanders, M. (2013). Ten Things I Wish I Had Known About… Case Conceptualization. Retrieved January 22, 2017, from http://www.therapistdevelopmentcenter.com/sites/default/files/10%20Things%20Case%20Conceptualization.pdf

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