Systems thinking as a diagnostic tool

Systems thinking as a philosophy is synonymous to the circular nature of the world we live in. It’s about recognising that there are powerful laws and processes operating outside of our immediate knowledge and that every action in the working of a system has a consequence. Systems thinking views any system in a holistic manner and focus on the interconnectedness of the various components at play. Systems thinking can also be seen as a diagnostic tool where we can examine wicked problems more completely and accurately before acting. It allows us to ask better questions before jumping to conclusions.

The human body as a system

Let’s take the example of the human body and visualise it as a system of multiple components at play. In the allopathic school of thought, a human body is imagined as a well-oiled machine with various systems and processes coming together to form a whole. Anything that malfunctions within one system or a part of it affects other systems and in return the whole body. The boundaries of these systems are well defined even though overlapping in their functioning. So if we were to introduce a foreign element to this system, it might change the functioning of as a whole, possibly reaching a new equilibrium.

Introduction of a foreign element in the body can temporarily or permanently change the working of the components and produce a new system dynamic within the body. Taking the example of alcohol as a foreign element we can examine how it changes the functioning of the human body system, temporarily and in the long run, permanently. Alcohol, when introduced in the body in toxic amounts, affects almost all the components within impairing their functioning. Misuse of alcohol or introduction of alcohol in toxic amounts over time can hinder the body functions permanently leading to irreversible conditions, deteriorating the systems.

The psycho-emotional roots of health and disease

Whenever we talk about the human body in the allopathic mental model, we often ignore the effects of the psychological state of the body which also has a consequence to the overall functioning. The effect of alcohol on the human body isn’t just physiological but also psychological and the emotional state of the body is often neglected while addressing such physical ailments. Our mental state is manifested in our body in various ways. The personality, childhood experiences that form it, behavioural patterns, attitudes and emotions also take part in the development of a physical ailment. These connections between what is going on in one’s mind and what is happening in their body, form the psycho-emotional roots of health and disease. Different mental states can have a positive or negative effect on physiological and biological functioning. Since the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems share a common chemical language, it allows constant communication between the mind and the body through hormones and neurotransmitters. This has an effect on other systems and in turn, the overall physiological and mental health of the being.

Psychoanalysing addiction

Taking in a foreign element like alcohol disrupts and changes the functioning of the system temporarily but this temporary change becomes an escape and gives birth to addiction (a new system equilibrium). Due to the mind-body connection, the way one thinks and feel and the deep-seated belief patterns one holds can all contribute to the development of addiction. Strong emotions such as anger, fear, and loneliness tend to hasten impairment. The psychological and social effects of alcohol are magnified by these factors. Ingestion of alcohol reduces tension, presumably by directly affecting the central nervous system, and therefore humans consume alcohol to experience this effect.

If we see this psychoanalytically, addiction provides temporary relief to the haywire emotions, in a way regulating them. The first such regulator in one’s life is their caretaker, oftentimes the mother who attends to all the needs, anxieties and desires of the baby. The mothers and the baby are an interdependent system. When this system doesn’t function properly, with one part being neglectful or erratic, the child experiences it as chaotic and punishing. The child feels that all parts of their being, their desires and needs are to be not spelt out, kept hidden, they are not worth the time of others. This becomes trauma and is triggered later in life as it makes an imprint on the nervous system that is immune to change. A traumatised child develops dysfunctional behaviours and beliefs to survive, to not be dependent on others for their human needs. The soother, thus, is found in drugs or alcohol, even unconsciously. Alcohol intoxication becomes a way to regulate one’s emotional being. The physiological changes here take the back seat as the emotional changes are what is sought, satisfying oneself.

Conclusion

When we include the psycho-emotional roots of addiction in our systems thinking approach of the body, the way we would diagnose it would be completely different and more inclusive. Comparing it to just diagnosing the physiological changes and providing an understanding and a solution through that would be addressing it in an incomplete and uninformed way. When understanding systems as designers, its imperative that we see all the laws and processes coming together in the functioning of the system to reach an informative solution. Hence using systems thinking in analysing such wicked problems gives a more holistic view to the designer. Therefore, it is crucial that we understand and find out about all the laws and processes in place before moving forward with our diagnosis of the system.

Related posts:

Her excited ears were listening, listening to the faintest sound, her heart beating faster, faster than ever before, her hands, trembling, a bit, but why won’t it, unfolding is something, that’s no…