Within social work, systems thinking has been heavily influenced by the work of the biologist Ludwig von Bertalanffy and later adaptations by the social psychologist Uri Bronfenbrenner, who examined …

Learn what systems theory in social work means. Explore examples, practice models, and how social workers use it to assess, intervene, and empower clients.

Jan 5, 2026 · Systems theory in social work is a framework that examines individuals as part of larger, interconnected systems, such as families, communities, and societies. It helps social workers …

Aug 1, 2023 · In this article, we will illustrate how system perspectives can help clarify these types of complicated interactions that occur in the work of psychologists.

Aug 18, 2019 · One of the earliest references to social work and systems theory goes as far back as 1976 (Forder 1976).

May 22, 2025 · General Systems Theory fundamentally changed social work by shifting focus from individual pathology to understanding people within their environmental context. This transformation …

One of the earliest references to social work and systems theory goes as far back as the mid-1970s (Forder, 1976).

Learn the fundamentals of systems theory including its history, assumptions, and applications in social work.

In particular, it takes Niklas Luhmann’s biopsychosocial systems theory as the starting point. Luhmann’s transdisciplinary theory has been widely received in the German-speaking world.

Apr 15, 2024 · Systems theory in social work is a holistic approach that views individuals as part of a larger system, such as their family, community, or society. This theory emphasizes the …