Abstract
D. Litt et Phil. (Psychology)
The need was identified to place the work of Mara Selvini PalazzoIi (PalazzoIi) within a
specific socio-political and theoretical context in order to be able to appraise her
contributions to the field of family therapy.
Therefore the first part of this thesis examines the Italian context within which
Palazzoli's work has evolved, with specific emphasis on certain social and political
changes which have taken place in the past twenty five years. These transformations
also led to a new mental health legislation (Law 180 of 1978) which saw the closing
down of psychiatric institutions and in turn greatly encouraged the development of
family therapy. A close analysis of Law 180 is provided with specific criticism from a
systemic perspective. The nature of the Italian families with which PalazzoIi has
worked is also briefly examined.
Certain theoretical influences have also played an important part in the development of
her work from psychoanalysis to systems theory, and lastly to complexity. These are
examined, although the emphasis falls on the work of the Frenchman Edgar Morin with
regard to complexity, because of the epistemological value it has for PalazzoIi's latest
work.
This historical development of Palazzoli's work is examined in great detail within a
"complex dialectical" framework which focuses on how knowledge develops and how
contradictions are often present in this process. Her psychoanalytical work is seen as
the thesis of this dialectical process, moving to its antithesis, namely systems theory
and, lastly the synthesis found in a model of family games. This process seems to be
evolving once again and a new thesis is identified in the most recent therapeutic and
theoretical developments.
Attention is also given to the work carried out by PalazzoIi in larger organizations as it
shows how family therapy principles can be adapted to other than therapeutic contexts.
Having created this contextual framework for a critical appraisal the last chapter
examines Palazzoli's work in terms of so-called "internal" and "external" factors in an
attempt to identify the significance of her work for the theory and practice of family
therapy.
Some recommendations for future research arising from this study are given at the end
of the thesis.