There is growing evidence that an amalgamation of systems theories and communication and information theories will become the leading conceptual model for addressing human behavior. In this book we have used a theoretical frame which focuses on the coding, storage, and movement of information within and among open systems. We believe this to be a productive working concept which allows the student of human behavior to avoid the mind/body dichotomy. This conceptual framework also allows the integration of the biologic and sociologic aspects of human behavior. Using this theoret­ ical model we may see science and art as a continuum of imaginative ways of organizing information. Hence, the primary aim of this text is to provide a conceptual frame for students of human behavior which utilizes systems theories and information and communi­ cation theories in an integrated approach which is both theoretical and practical. It is written for the student in the behavioral sciences who may be planning a career in medicine, social work, psychology, nursing, guidance and counseling, the ministry, or other health and service professions. In addition, students in biology, sociology, and philosophy may benefit from this conceptual ap­ proach. It is also written for the practitioner who is cur­ rently delivering counseling and other health services to a variety of clientele.

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1 Basic Concepts.- Man's Concept of the Universe.- A Systems Approach.- Relationships Biased by Sensory Organs.- Relationships as Entities.- Influence of Nuclear Physics.- The Environment.- The Individual as a Series of Relationships.- Living Systems.- References.- Suggested Readings.- Suggested Questions.- 2 Biological Evolution and Systems Theory.- Evolution and Information Flow.- Centralization.- Cybernetic Quality of All Systems.- Tendency to Concretize Systems.- Relationship of All Cells and Systems in the Central Nervous System.- The Human Mind as a Continuum of Related Information.- The Bimodal System of Data Processing.- References.- Suggested Readings.- Suggested Questions.- 3 Bimodal Coding.- Cybernetic Movement of Information.- Division of Coding Activity of the Central Nervous System.- Elaborate Digital Format in Man.- Attempts to Localize Central Nervous System Functions.- Perception of Stimuli and the Bimodal Model.- Analog-to-Digital Ratio.- Efficiency of Analog-to-Digital Conversion.- References.- Suggested Readings.- Suggested Questions.- 4 Digital Coding and the Acquisition of Language.- Development of Human Symbolic Operations.- Nonhuman Communication.- Development of Linguistic Skills in Children.- Evolution of Language.- Symbolic Speech and the Ability to Predict.- The Use of Words-A Group Phenomenon.- Alienated Dependency of Man.- Transmission of Information.- Importance of Both Analog and Digital Data-Processing in Human Communication.- Summary.- References.- Suggested Readings.- Suggested Questions.- 5 Evolution of the Self System.- Self-Differentiation through the Evolutionary Process.- Self, Ego, Identity, and Personality.- Comparison of Theories.- The Search for Information to Reify the Self.- Individual Data Selection.- Consequences of Differentiation.- Conclusion.- References.- Suggested Questions.- 6 Interpersonal Relationships and Behavioral Homeostasis.- Development and Maintenance of a Self.- The Group or Social Self.- Self and the Environment.- Data Processing and Role Theory.- Need for Predictability and Control.- Interpersonal Skills in a Behavioral Economy.- References.- Suggested Readings.- Suggested Questions.- 7 Roles and Counterroles within the Family.- Advantages of Biosocial Approach.- Biasing Information.- Communicating Frustration.- Competition for Control of the Family System.- Security and Acceptance.- Adding Members to a Family System.- Human Behavioral Patterns Colored by Digital Operation.- Triangulation.- Complexity of Family Systems.- References.- Suggested Readings.- Suggested Questions.- 8 Stress and Life Styles.- Man as a Biologic System.- Life Styles.- Search for Autonomy.- Shifts in Self-Concept.- Adjustments to Stress.- Learning to Use Others.- Attempts to Maintain Integrity.- Escape Techniques That Decrease Tension.- Escape Techniques That Increase Tension.- Use of Property.- Other Common Adjustment Techniques.- Reference.- Suggested Readings.- Suggested Questions.- 9 Dissynchronous Behavior.- Response to Injury.- Continual Exchange of Data.- Analog to Digital Impasse.- Dependency on Group Interaction.- Attempts to Avoid Expectations.- Classification of Behavioral Patterns.- Inability to Accept Help.- Effects of Institutionalization.- Effect of Social Deprivation.- Depression, Anxiety, and Anger.- Use of Dissynchronous Self System by Family and Community.- Suicide as a Response to Expectations.- Differentiation.- Loneliness.- References.- Suggested Readings.- Suggested Questions.- 10 Synchronizing Relationships.- Patterns of Relationships.- A Systems Approach to Disease, Illness, Normality, and Abnormality.- Synchronizing Techniques.- Forming Synchronizing Relationships.- Methods of Evaluation.- Deciding What to Do.- The Individual as a Group.- Importance of Mutual Understanding.- The Need to Help Others or to Seek Help.- Effects of Therapist Assuming Responsibility.- Recognizing the Needs of the Therapist.- Individual, Family, and Group Therapy.- Elevated Emotional States.- Therapy as a Learning Paradigm.- References.- Suggested Readings.- Suggested Questions.- 11 Cultural Coding Systems.- I Human Group Dependency.- Importance of Digital Operation.- Dangers of Group Specialization.- Rules, Ethics, Morals, Laws.- Religious Systems.- Scientific Systems.- Efficiency of Language.- Effects of Technology on Data Processing.- Social Responsibility and Legal Systems.- Educational Systems.- Behavioral Patterns in Societies.- Social Self Systems.- Summary.- Reference.- Suggested Readings.- Suggested Questions.- 12 Evolution of a Systems Theory of Self and Society.- Direction of Thought Toward Systems.- Early Philosophers and the Scientific Method.- Philosophers Concerned with Man and Nature.- Impact of the Work of Darwin.- Intrapersonal Theorists.- Social Scientists.- Two Major Theoretical Orientations.- Pragmatic, Behaviorist, and Descriptive Theorists.- Interpersonal Theorists.- Family and Communication Theorists.- Physicists (Relationships and Relativity).- Neural Substrate and Information Theorists.- Learning Theorists.- Linguists.- Mathematicians.- Contributors in Other Fields.- Systems Theorists.- References.- Suggested Readings.