General Systems Theory to Prevent Domestic Violence

I wrote this critical reflection for our interpersonal systems class at the University of Rochester. The professor asked us to find a paper on “General Systems Theory” and write about it. I chose a paper I found by Straus (1973) that used General Systems Theory to try and prevent domestic violence.

Straus (1973) explains that families are committed to non-violence, yet a large portion of families experience violence between members. Straus examines how General Systems Theory can be used to more extensively understand family violence as part of an interacting family system rather than as a problem within one individual. Straus followed a multi-step process, beginning with a block diagram, then more data analysis, a simple flow chart, and then finally a fuller systems flow chart. Straus explained how an iterative process can capture more complexity, yet also how no systems chart can capture the entire complexity.

   Straus develops several propositions about family violence using previous research to inform his systems analysis and examines what may contribute to an upward spiral of increasing violence versus processes that stabilize or end violence. Straus found that a systems view of the problem does add considerable new insight, but caution needs to be taken to justify each choice made in the analysis. Straus says empirical research and iterative enhancements of the diagram need to be incorporated.

When evaluating Straus’ work, I can see how looking at a more complete systems view of family violence can give us more information and provide more insights. I can see how this model could be considered an improvement and more comprehensive than a traditional mental health research model. However, I do note that as complexity increases, so does the number of assumptions and the room for bias and error to slip in. I truly wonder how a researcher can find the right balance when selecting data points for a systems analysis and how a researcher can justify all their assumptions for inclusion of certain data points. The research article was a seminal one, yet at this stage, an outdated one, so I am also curious how the field has evolved in the last 50-plus years.

References

Straus, M. A. (1973). A general systems theory approach to a theory of violence between family members. Social Science Information, 12(3), 105–125. https://doi.org/10.1177/053901847301200306