PYC4808
Ecosystemic Psychology
Assignment Two

Question 1 : Name and define the first-order cybernetic principles as described in your prescribed textbook.
When viewing first-order cybernetics, we observe from the outside of what is going on in the system. We do not view ourselves as part of the system and do not concern ourselves with what the system does or why it does it. What we are concerned with is describing what is happening in the system. We aim to answer questions such as, “who are members of the system?, what are the characteristic patterns of interaction in this system?, what rules and roles form the boundaries of the system and distinguish it as separate from other systems?. “(Becvar & Becvar 2014. Pg 69 ) In first-order cybernetics we also attempt to find out how freely information is transmitted in and out of the particular system, as well as view the balance between change and stability within the system.
Consistent with the element of recursiveness, the system is one that has reciprocal causalty and not linear and both people and events are mutually interactive and influenced. In order to analyze the family system, relationships and interactions amongst members are viewed instead of viewing the individuals in isolation. From the perspective all systems are influenced and influence each other. From a cybernetic perspective, we acknowledge that an isolated cause/effect event is only a small part of a large pattern of circularity. “Feedback refers to the process whereby information about past behaviours is fed back into the system in a circular manner.” ( Becvar & Becvar, (2014) pp. 70)
1
In first order cybernetics, feedback can be spoken about in as both positive and negative feedback which could be both good and/or bad. When there is positive feedback, change has occurred and been accepted in the system for the better. Whereas in negative feedback, all remains the same. Negative and positive could be good or bad. Both change and stability are important in order to survive within a system. Positive feedback is error- activated and information that deviates from a previous norm is fed back into the system and is accepted, and now negative feedback processes may begin for survival and stability.
Other concepts considered in first-order cybernetics are morphostasis, which is the tendency of the system to remain stable and morphogenesis, which refers to behavior that enhances the system, such as growth, creativity, innovation and change. In order for a system to function properly, it requires both morphostasis as well as morphogenesis. This off course has to occur within balance for a healthy, successful system. Rules and boundaries are also part of the system, as they express the system’s values and decide on appropriate and acceptable behaviors within the system. These rules form boundaries of the system and are what helps distinguish various systems from each other. Boundaries also demonstrate the hierarchy of the system, for eg, the father in a family is the head of the family, or the president of a country is seen as the leader or head of the country.
When viewing the openness and closedness in first0order cybernetics, we are referring to the degree of new information the system allows in. Systems differ in their openness and closedness to new information, generally on their values, beliefs and goals. Balance once again is key to healthy functioning of the system in openness and closedness. So being extremely open or closed cause’s dysfunction. This dysfunction is referred to as Entropy. Entropy occurs when there is extreme disorder causing the system to dysfunction. On the other hand if the system has a decent balance between openness and closedness then it is quite orderly and functions well, this is referred to as Negentropy. Therefore Negentropy is favorable in any system.
2
Equifinality can describe all systems, regardless of any balance. It views the system as is. It is the tendency towards a final state no matter the initial states of the system. It views patterns and habits of a system. Sometimes new information and change is needed in a system for better functioning and survival. On the other hand, equipotentiality is based on the notion that different end states may occur from the same start. So the focus is on the present, but past behaviours and events are also analyzed in order to pick up patterns within the system. In cybernetics our concern is with the here and now.
All of the above concepts require communication and information processing. This concept is formed by three basic principles “1. One cannot not behave, 2. One cannot not communicate and 3. The meaning of a given behavior is not the true meaning of the behavior; it is, however, the personal truth for the person who has given it particular meaning. “Becvar & Becvar, 2014 pp. 75). Communication is key in all interaction. There are various aspects to communication that need to be considered. Such as verbal which is what is actually said and non-verbal which is the tone, expression used, the command message of what is being communicated and whether it is actually heard or accepted. The context is also important, for eg. Where we are or who we are with. It modifies the actual message. The analog is more powerful and portrays the actual command or communication between members. So the process refers to the analog. A match between the content and process leads to good communication. There are various ways to avoid communication traps. Sometimes the safer response is to respond to the content rather than process by words. Metacommunication is also a method, however there should be a rule as to how it may be used in your relationship. When viewing relationships and wholeness in first-order cybernetics, it is important to remember relationships are interactive and mutually influenced. The size of the system is also important as there are more interactive relationships present which in turn causes more complexity. Triangles are also important, where there is a two person relationship and a problem may occur as a third person enters.
3

Relationship style is important to consider. Patterns of interaction should be assessed. A system is a whole so if there is a change in one relationship it affects the entire system. It has a ripple effect on the system, therefore it is possible to bring about change to the system by working with one individual from the system. It is always important to think holistically when assessing a system. ( Becvar & Becvar, 2014)

Question Two: Name and define the second order principles as defined in your prescribed textbook.

Second order cybernetics is a level higher than first- order. It is cybernetics of cybernetics. In this order, we are no longer just observers, we are now participants of the system that is being observed. How you view and describe the system, says a lot about yourself. There is no outside environment, and the system is closed with sealed boundaries and is therefore only spoken of in terms of negative feedback. Autonomy/ organizational closure is one of the principles of second order cybernetics, “which refers to the highest order of recursion or feedback processes of a system, and the range of deviation or level of stability maintained is that of the organization of the whole” (Becvar & Becvar, 2014. Pp 81) . Assessing a system is based on our perceptions which are self-referential and based on our own epistemological premises as we are part of the system. Openness and closedness of the system is a principle in second order cybernetics which differs from first-order cybernetics. The boundary is closed so it is not viewed as having an external environment. Changes occur in these systems but are changes within the structure and maintenance of the system. The system’s identity is determined by the organization of the system and this remains unchanged depending on the organization of that system.
4
Autopoiesis is another principle which involves assessing the way the parts relate in the system which in turn generates unity. Boundaries are necessary in order for the system to distinguish itself from another. The dynamics and interactions of relationships of members is what distinguishes a boundary. In an autopoietic system, the system is what it is and does what it does to continue to function and maintain organization. Therefore in second-order cybernetics, the assessor always speaks from a point of negative feedback that is how the system is being maintained. Structural determinism is another principle of second order cybernetics. Systems are seen as structurally determined, meaning the range of structural variations accepted is determined by the system. “They can be perturbed by independent events but the changes that they undergo as a result of these perturbations, as well as the relations of autopoiesis that these changes generate, occur, by their constitution, as internal states of the system regardless of the nature of the perturbation. (Maturana, 1974, pp. 460-461). “ (Becvar & Becvar, 2014, pp.83). Structural coupling and non- purposeful drift are also principles in cybernetics of cybernetics. Systems do exist within a medium that includes other systems. The degree of co-existence between these systems is referred to as structural coupling. There is no linear cause and effect in second order cybernetics. The life of a system is a process of non-purposeful drift in the medium. Change occurs in response to change. Second order cybernetics focuses on epistemology of participation. This involves the therapist’s view of reality and the fact that the therapist is involved in the system. The way the therapist and client relate. This participation is of great importance in second order cybernetics. Reality in second order cybernetics is seen as a multiverse. (Becvar & Becvar, 2014)

Question Three: How is reality seen by each specific approach?
In first-order cybernetics, systems are viewed from the outside and the assessor does not see themselves as part of the system.
5
The system is assessed according what is viewed by the assessor and attempts to make changes in behavior in accordance to what is societally accepted in the system. Systems have different degrees of openness and closedness to external information from other systems.

In second order cybernetics the assessor sees themselves as part of the system that is being observed. Reality is self-referential. The therapists own reality and belief system has an effect on the observation of the system and the problem being observed. Both the client and therapist have a shared reality. The client puts forward the content and the therapist puts forward the process. Also the therapist has greater information and understanding as they are part of the system. There is no external environment. Reality is a multiverse, and we all create our own reality according to our experiences and perceptions. To each person their own reality would be true, we all live in a multiverse of realities created by ourselves. (Becvar & Becvar, 2014)

Question Four: How is health and pathology addressed by each approach?
In first-order cybernetics, defiance from normality within the system will be regarded as wrong. What is right or wrong behavior relates to the pathology of the system. According to Minuchin, each family member in the system has their own functions to carry out and in order for proper family functioning, boundaries are made clear. Clear authority figures in the systems and defined responsibility and roles will enable better, more successful functioning in the family. (Minuchin, 1974). Usually one of the family members causes dysfunction and the family decides to enter therapy. This member is seen by the family as having or being the problem. The therapist observes the system in order to decide on how healthy and pathological the system is.
6

In second order cybernetics, pathology of the system is viewed in context of the client. It does not hold the view of right or wrong. Here the problem is only valid if the client sees it as a problem. The way the client defines and communicates the problem to the therapist is of greater importance than the actual problem. A healthy system is how the members view themselves and the system.

Question Five: What is the role and function of the therapist, and the approach to therapy, in each specific approach?
In first order therapy, the role of the therapist is to observe the system from an outside perspective and set direct goals for more acceptable behavior in order for survival within the observed system. It is more goal oriented. The therapy is a hierarchical process. ( Becvar & Becvar, 2014). The therapist is the expert. They listen to each member’s reality and based on those members experiences within the system. After observing the therapist is now aware of the relational interactions between members and how they relate to the therapist. Thereafter, the therapist uses this as a basis for structural diagnoses. From the observation, transactional patterns and boundaries are recognized and from this the therapist is able to decide on the pathology of the system. (Minuchin, 1974).
In second order the therapist works and relates to the client and is more participative and may be less goal oriented. Therapist makes reference to one’s self. The therapy is a collaborative process. The therapist assists the client in understanding the problem they are describing at a deeper level. The goal is not to impose a normative way. Language is of great importance in second order therapy.
7

During therapy the therapists works with the members to assist them in identifying any issues as well as supplies them with various tools that may be used if desired by the members to obtain solutions to problems the members may point out.

Question Six: Which critical ethical concerns could be raised about each specific perspective?
In first-order cybernetics, therapy is very authorative and may undermine the client. It is also important to make sure the therapist knows subsystems of the system being observed, this may lead to a risk of joining and supporting only one subsystem. The therapist should also intervene in the family system in order to transform in a balanced manner. (Minuchin, 1974). Also what the therapist may believe to be an idealized family system may not be attainable by certain systems and may not be what that actual system perceives as ideal. The therapist may also have different views as to the pathology of the family. The therapist does not relate to the client and the problem, rather they just observe and set certain goals that need to be attained.
In second-order cybernetics, the therapist may excessively involve themselves and their views and perspectives as they are a part of the system, and are no longer objective enough. Language is important in this order of therapy, therefore therapist need to be extremely cautious and mindful of the way they say things and how it comes across to the clients. Objectives of therapy may not be balanced, as the therapist is now involving their own objectives. There is also a great chance of unconscious persuasion because the therapist sees himself as part of the system. Pre-existing notions may also have a negative unethical effect on the therapy and its goals.

8
Question Seven: In keeping a both-and, rather than either-or position, formulate ideas around how the first-and second-order cybernetic approaches can be integrated in useful and complimentary way.
Personally, from my understanding of both first order and second order cybernetics, both approaches have various advantages and disadvantages. Therefore as a therapist, one should try and integrate both in order to obtain a more holistic successful therapy outcome. The therapist should observe from the outside in order to get a view from the clients perspective, as well as the system in which the client is part of. The therapist can also obtain a greater understanding as to how the client perceives themselves and the own reality. However, the therapist should also relate to the client and involve themselves as part of the same system. This would assist in greater knowledge and expertise of the system, as well as make the therapy a more collaborative process instead of one that is hierarchical. From the first order cybernetics, the therapist should focus on goals that need to be obtained and direct clients as to how they may obtain these, as well as use second order cybernetics and allow the client to be a part of deciding goals that are best for the individual and system as a whole. Both positive and negative feedback should be addressed, as this would assist in deciding the corrective change.

9

Reference List
Becvar D.S., & Becvar, R.J. (2014). Family Therapy: A Systemic intergration (8th ed.). Pearson Education Limited, UK.
Minuchin, S. (1974). Families and family therapies. London, UK: Tavistock.
Hoffman, L. (1985). Beyond poer and control: Towards a “second order” family systems therapy. Family Systems Medicine, 3, 381-396.

10