A theory means an explanation. Scientist use theories to explain their research. When studying intimate relationship theories are important to understand the relationships and if there's problems, how to work them out.
System Theory
System theory focuses on social systems and how their interdependent parts maintain order.
Family therapists use the system theory by analyzing a group as a whole. If the child is having problems, the therapist will often bring in all the family members. To make more sense, in order to help the individual, a therapist should treat the family, because it is a system itself and should be functioning in a healthy way together.
Exchange Theory
Exchange theory views social interaction as a cost-benefit analysis in which people try to keep their costs lower than their reward. It's an "you owe me one" situation. The costs refers to time, money, emotional or intellectual energy. Basically anything that someone invests in a relationship. The reward is an emotional or intellectual gratification, money, a sense of security or anything that someone defines satisfying in a relationship. This happens when one is selecting a life partner. You think about what your partner will be bringing into the relationship and if it's worth it.
Symbolic Interaction Theory
Symbolic Interaction Theory views humans as cognitive creatures who are influenced and shaped by their interactions. For example: a man who is negative about parenthood may find himself excited and committed as he interacts with a child. Our interpretation of a situation is as important as anything is objectively true about that situation.
Conflict Theory
Conflict theory focuses on contradictory interests, inequalities and the resulting conflict and change. This is when members of the group have different interests, needs and goals. Not everyone can be satisfied which can cause conflict.
System Theory
System theory focuses on social systems and how their interdependent parts maintain order.
Family therapists use the system theory by analyzing a group as a whole. If the child is having problems, the therapist will often bring in all the family members. To make more sense, in order to help the individual, a therapist should treat the family, because it is a system itself and should be functioning in a healthy way together.
Exchange Theory
Exchange theory views social interaction as a cost-benefit analysis in which people try to keep their costs lower than their reward. It's an "you owe me one" situation. The costs refers to time, money, emotional or intellectual energy. Basically anything that someone invests in a relationship. The reward is an emotional or intellectual gratification, money, a sense of security or anything that someone defines satisfying in a relationship. This happens when one is selecting a life partner. You think about what your partner will be bringing into the relationship and if it's worth it.
Symbolic Interaction Theory
Symbolic Interaction Theory views humans as cognitive creatures who are influenced and shaped by their interactions. For example: a man who is negative about parenthood may find himself excited and committed as he interacts with a child. Our interpretation of a situation is as important as anything is objectively true about that situation.
Conflict Theory
Conflict theory focuses on contradictory interests, inequalities and the resulting conflict and change. This is when members of the group have different interests, needs and goals. Not everyone can be satisfied which can cause conflict.