The Family Systems Model—like other theoretical models—is a metaphorical means of organizing our exploration and description of phenomena. That is just a fancy way of saying that a model helps us to see and discuss aspects of the object we otherwise could not. The model allows us to examine the object it represents from a different perspective and to experiment in manipulating that object—at least in concept.
Family System’s Theory is a conceptual model that allows us to examine how the individuals in a family are interconnected. From your reading, you have learned that the “whole is greater than the sum of the parts”. We can observe elements of Family System’s Theory in virtually all relationships and gain insights about the family rules, roles, patterns of interaction, feedback loops, and family cohesion.
Now it is your turn. This is your chance to demonstrate that you understand family-systems thinking as a model for examining, discussing, and influencing families, and that you can discuss systems in a simple and meaningful way with others.

Briefly describe the family and tell about the media that they appear in.
This should not be the bulk of the paper, but should give sufficient introduction that someone not familiar with the family would be able to understand the members of the family and some of their family roles.
You may choose to attach a picture of the family to your paper labeled with names to help your instructor identify each member.
Discuss how each member of the system actually functions with the others. Consider the role of each individual and how they contribute to the whole of the family system.
Identify pertinent subsystems of the family and the patterns of interaction that exist between these subsystems.
How do these patterns of interaction influence the whole?
Plan to include at least one major pattern of interaction for each subsystem that you discuss.
Being able to discuss patterns of interaction is crucial for understanding how a family functions within Family Systems Theory.
For example, you might discuss the marital dyad and the cohesion that exists between parents, except for when the topic of employment is approached. We might then see that dad becomes defensive when mom nags him to get a better job (a consistent pattern in this marriage), causing dad to retreat into childlike behavior where he aligns himself most with his teenage son. During these times, his son sees his father as a peer and not as a leadership figure in the family system.
Discuss any feedback loops that appear within the family system.
How do these affect the equilibrium of the family system?
Consider the family cohesion and flexibility as well utilizing Olsen’s Circumplex Model (the graphic is included in W02 Study: Part 2 and is discussed within your Family Systems Theory reading).
What information can we gain about this family system as we consider how they adapt to new and stressful situations?