The input whether unaltered or transformed flows through the system and is released as output. Can be negative or positive creating disequilibrium or balance. Assists the system to balance and control inputs via feedback looks. When in balance, system has homeostasis or equilibrium. The more immediate the environment, the greater the influence on the system and the greater input to the family.
More distant environments have less influence on the family.
Individuals establish own boundaries, values, and routines. The capacity of the family and its members to modify their behavior to each other and their outer world as the situation demands in response to internal and external input. Each individual within the family is a personal subsystem. Two adult members relate to each other as partners and parents. Children's relationships with each other.