The structural theory is founded on the premise that a whole system is made up of interdependent parts. The structure functions through subsets of the members and their individual behaviors and coping mechanisms. The family is an example of such a system, where each family member offers inputs and receives outputs. The members of the family influence the behavior of each other. As such, an alteration within the family setting affects not only the family but also individual members.
Conversely, when an individual experiences change, the entire unit is affected by it. Therapy implemented through the structural theory focuses on the person viewed through the family system's lens, rather than their internal characteristics. The person’s behavior is best understood in the background of the family system.
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Clients Fit for Structural Theory
Families
The structural theory is best applied in the context of interpersonal relationships between clients. These clients could be part of a knit system such as a family or those who share similar challenges such as individuals battling drug addiction, anxiety disorder, and many more. It can be applied to clients who require to make changes and reinforce their systems. For example, in the family, the parents may wish to gain control. Besides, both the parents and the children may need to draw healthy boundaries in interacting with one another. The systemic approach seeks to unlock the motives behind an individual’s behavior and what they are communicating unconsciously.
Couples
These clients would fit the systems theory since they are a durable group, and they make up part of a system as well. A study was conducted for individuals with severe aphasia, who attended a community group together with their spouses. The individuals received various forms of therapy, including; communication, participatory, psychosocial support, and education (Attard et al., 2019). After the assigned period, the participants took part in interviews about their perceptions of themselves and their spouses and suggestions for improvement (Attard et al., 2019). It showed positive results in the relationships of participants and spouses.
Similar Groups
Individuals who face similar challenges, for example, depression, can apply the structural theory. They can do so to investigate their surroundings and their relationships with others and consider whether they affect their behavior positively or negatively. They can then adopt strategies to improve and maintain healthier relationships. Once they participate in groups, the whole system benefits as a result.
A study conducted on the effectiveness of spiritual therapy for cancer patients found that the individuals experienced stress and were alienated from daily routines (Zamaniyan et al., 2016). It also drove them to hold temporary goals rather than long term ones. After involvement in group therapy, participants experienced significant improvement in attitude, reduced stress, and improved the quality of life (Zamaniyan et al., 2016).
Clients Unfit for Structural Theory
Structural theory cannot be applied in cases where an individual does not want to involve other family members. Individuals then choose to share with a therapist about their emotions, challenges, and behaviors. They can pinpoint areas to improve on, achieve a better understanding of themselves, write goals, and set a plan to achieve them. Cases where individuals are battling divergent issues cannot apply the structural theory. For example, an individual with bipolar disorder has less in common with an individual experiencing anger outbursts. Because of these conditions' unique nature and their triggers, the application of systems theory cannot be applied here.
References
Attard, M. C., Loupis, Y., Togher, L., & Rose, M. L. (2019). Experiences of people with severe aphasia and spouses attending an Interdisciplinary Community Aphasia Group. Disability and Rehabilitation , 1-15.
Napier, A. & Whitaker, C. (2017). The family crucible: the intense experience of family therapy . Harper Perennial. https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/#/books/9780062046666/cfi/6/2!/4/2/2/2@14.3:78.9.
Zamaniyan, S., Bolhari, J., Naziri, G., Akrami, M., & Hosseini, S. (2016). Effectiveness of spiritual group therapy on quality of life and spiritual well-being among patients with breast cancer. Iranian journal of medical sciences , 41 (2), 140.
