Dynamic Systems Theory: Emma's Breakdown Of Her Nuclear Family

Dynamic Systems Theory

Dynamic systems theory seeks to explain the relationships in a given environment (Robbins, Chaterjee, & Canda, 2012). Dynamic systems theory organizes relationships by forming holons, something that is simultaneously a whole entity by itself while being part of a larger group (Edwards, 2005). In this case, Emma is the focal point of analysis. Her primary holon consists of her nuclear family as the suprasystem and her biological, emotional, spiritual, and cognitive state are her subsystems. While Emma maintains some independence, she is still interdependent within her other systems. The sexual abuse she experienced, her subsystems and suprasystems are affecting her behavior in that emotionally she may not be able to

This theory helps to determine Emma’s goodness of fit levels, as this directly determines her ability to adapt to her environment. The dynamic of the family unit has now been upset and there is an imbalance in the goodness of fit. What was working for the system and keeping the status quo has been upset somehow with some external or internal event. For Emma this is the breakdown of her parent’s marriage and her perceiving this as a threat. Emma’s experience of the sexual trauma has also created an upset within her system as

It also takes into consideration the school dynamics as well to approach where she is developmentally.

The holistic view that dynamic systems theory takes provides an in-depth analysis of a person in relation to their environment and Emma can understand herself both as an individual and as a member of the groups she belongs to. Ecological theory perspective is unique because it emphasizes individualism and is a revolutionary theory breaking from the one-size-fits-all model it places more emphasis on individuals and families in the environment. The ecological perspective incorporates each level and shows the larger picture to explain Emma’s individual situation without making broad generalizations about all 5-year old’s. It places more focus on Emma and her parents.

Limitations

Dynamic systems theory lacks predictive ability and does not distinguish between relevant and irrelevant information and is not well suited for prediction or defining hierarchy. She will become a part of hundreds of groups, many of which will not significantly affect her. Because it is impossible to predict which networks she will become a part of as she grows older, there is no way to predict how those people will influence her decision, beliefs, and behavior. The theory suggests that each of these interactions is important, when