The author present a five-stage intervention model to be used in counseling with couples. The model stages include structuring, observation and assessment, interruption of the system, deviation and amplification, and responding to individuation. (Author/HLM)

A project aimed at enhancing academic advising provides a case study in management systems. (Author)

This paper describes a seminar in community psychology aimed at providing students paradigms to critically examine the efficacy of concrete community interventions in seven substantive areas. Such paradigms included models of service delivery, conceptualizations of understanding and treating dysfunctions, and time and target dimensions in…

Rather than viewing an early intervention team in isolation, a systems perspective considers the interrelationships and interdependence of the various elements comprising service delivery for children with disabilities. This article proposes a model, a multilayered framework, that takes into account the larger system of community and organization…

Analyzes suicide in terms of a dynamic model of changes in suicidal tendencies over time. Suggests that minor fluctuations may incite rapid development toward suicide or inhabit suicidality. Notes that this method of analysis and developmental modeling is applicable to other phenomena involving development in complex human behaviors in an open…

Discusses Mishara's use of phrase space analysis to chart the developmental dynamics of suicide. Contends that developmentalists should concern themselves with mental ontology, especially epistemic questions, in order to advance understanding of the development of the human mind. Considers the affinity of interactivism with a dynamic systems…

Explores ways that colleges and universities can become learning communities in all of their dimensions. Discusses the five disciplines of the learning organization (personal mastery, mental models, shared vision, team learning, and systems thinking) and ways to adhere to these disciplines. Describes leadership roles and the importance of vision.…

Criticizes systems theory for providing an inappropriate model of the family. Proposes that the family should be conceived of as a matrix of interlocking experiences. (RJC)

Presents a family systems model for understanding the impact of chronic illness on family functioning and describes family-focused interventions related to reducing the stress involved during the adjustment process. (Author)

Discusses the management and evaluation of diversity in the workforce and emphasizes the need to link diversity issues with organizational goals and performance needs. Differences between a "quick fix" and systematic action are examined; distinctions between a program and a process are explained; and measuring results of diversity…

Advocates a systems approach to designing educational systems in a changing world. The intellectual technology of systems design is outlined; and a design architecture is described that addresses definition of the new system, system specifications, key functions, organizational issues, and the systemic environment. Organizing perspectives for…

Describes implementation of a system-level planning model focused on institutional improvement and effectiveness at the University of Missouri. Details implementation of three phases of the strategic planning model (strategic analysis, strategic thinking/decision-making, and campus outreach/systems administration planning); identifies critical…

Examines how school counselors can apply systems theory and social ecology to problem conceptualization and intervention planning. Also explores the implications of this broadened paradigm for the school counselor's role. Asserts that in order to achieve broad-based change, schools, families, and communities must engage in collaborative problem…

Discusses systems dynamics (SD) and considers the types of learning environments that can be designed on the basis of SD models. Highlights include social systems theory; classical systems theory and autopoietic systems theory; models of social systems; computer-based learning environments; simulation modes; and participative design of interactive…

Discusses a graduate-level course in mariculture to help students synthesize what they have learned in traditional courses and apply that higher-level understanding in a systematic and explicit way in evaluating complex issues. (Author/CCM)