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.