Introduction & Theoretical Background
Within compassion focused therapy (CFT) one commonly used method for understanding client difficulties is the ‘three systems’ conceptualization (Dale-Hewitt & Irons, 2015). This model proposes ‘threat’, ‘drive’ and ‘soothing-affiliative’ motivational systems and describes difficulties in terms of the function and relative balance of these three systems.
The threat system evolved to make organisms pay attention to sources of potential danger, and to take steps to neutralize or avoid the threat.
The drive system evolved to activate animals, energizing them to move towards things that might be useful for their survival. This might include resources such as food, territory, or mates.
The soothing system evolved to help animals to slow down, to rest and recuperate. Linked to a branch of your parasympathetic nervous system, it naturally helps to bring balance to the more energized aspects of your threat and drive systems.
The Three Systems is a track taken from the Psychology Tools For Developing Self-Compassion audio collection. In this introductory track, Dr Chris Irons introduces the CFT three systems model, explores the purpose and function of each system, and uses it to help the listener to understand the kinds of difficulties that can result from an imbalance of these systems.
FAQs
Cybernetics, catastrophe theory, chaos theory and complexity theory have the common goal to explain complex systems that consist of a large number of mutually interacting and interrelated parts in terms of those interactions.
What are the three 3 major steps followed in systems thinking? ›
'Systems thinking' as a process looks to achieve three objectives: (1) understand a system's dynamics—analysis; (2) understand a system's hierarchy—synthesis; and (3) develop solutions—decision making. These three elements make it possible to apply 'systems thinking' as a function for problem solving.
What is an example of systems thinking? ›
One systems thinking example in the workplace is organizing supply chains, which are highly complex and often involve multiple suppliers, manufacturers, distributors and customers.
What is systems thinking in business? ›
"Systems thinking is a holistic approach to analysis that focuses on the way different parts of a system interact and how they influence one another within a whole," Teague said. The World Economic Forum said this way of thinking can spur innovation, especially during times of uncertainty.
What are the three systems theory? ›
Context 1. ... are dealing with three systems theories, the GST, cybernetics and dynamic systems theory, each focusing on different aspects of biological systems. Each systems theory uses its own concepts (see Table 1), and the most basic of these concepts could be considered as cognitive tools in systems thinking.
What is system 3 decision making? ›
System 3 Thinking turns out to be more considered and consequential, taking into account all the likely outcomes in both the short and long term. It represents a more compassionate way to make difficult decisions when faced with doubt, dilemma, or disruption. In essence, it is the practice of good judgement.
What are the three systems of thinking? ›
In a recent blog post: http://blog.readytomanage.com/how-is-critical-thinking-different-from-analytical-or-lateral-thinking/ three kinds of “thinking” are described – Analytical, Lateral and Critical thinking.
What is a system in everyday life? ›
A system is a group of interrelated parts working together as a whole. A chair consists of legs, arms, and a seat. Together the parts function to keep a person off the floor but separate they are useless. For a chair to work, all components must be present and configured in a particular way.
What is a real life example of systems theory? ›
An example of systems theory would be looking at the traffic flow between people using public and private transportation. Systems theory would inform the individual on how to assess what systems or subsystems of traffic need to be modified to increase or decrease traffic flow.
What are the 3 types of theory? ›
According to Seidman, the three types of theorizing are scientific, philosophic, and moral. Scientific theorizing, also called the positivistic tradition as this refers to the use of the scientific method in order to study society, is used to describe social phenomena and behavior.
The three main systems of the body are the nervous system, responsible for transmitting signals between different parts of the body; the circulatory system, which transports blood, oxygen, and nutrients throughout the body; and the digestive system, involved in processing food and extracting nutrients while eliminating ...
What are the 3 characteristics of the world system theory? ›
The world systems theory is established on a three-level hierarchy consisting of core, periphery, and semi-periphery areas. The core countries dominate and exploit the peripheral countries for labor and raw materials. The peripheral countries are dependent on core countries for capital.
What are the three categories of the world systems theory? ›
Immanuel Wallerstein developed World Systems Theory and its three-level hierarchy: core, periphery, and semi-periphery.
