Understanding Family Process: Basics of Family Systems Theory

by Carlfred Broderick

Systems theory is the basic theoretical model underlying most contemporary family therapy. In this accessible introduction, the author traces how systems theory gave rise to family systems theory, outlines the basic propositions of family systems and links it both to other family theory literature and to clinical practice. Among the topics covered are relational space, family boundaries, family stratification and child socialization. Family meanings and such shared realities as family folklore, stories, myths and memorabilia are discussed. Family rituals are also explored.

282 pages, Paperback

First published March 9, 1993

About the author

Carlfred Bartholomew Broderick (April 7, 1932 - July 27, 1999) was a 20th-century psychologist and family therapist, a scholar of marriage and family relations at the University of Southern California, an author of several books, and a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was born in Salt Lake City, Utah in 1932, and he died of cancer in 1999 in Cerritos, California at the age of 67.

Reviews

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this for Contemporary Family Theory at BYU in 1997, and thought it was a concise summary of family systems theory. Broderick is a member of the LDS faith and a strong influence in the marriage and family therapy field.