50 Years of Theory, Evolution, and New Supporting Data

Gr egoire Vitry , Claude de Scorraille and Michael F. Hoyt

dr fr Summary

Redundant Solution Attempts (RAS) Theory is described from its origins to the present day. Grounded in cybernetics and introduced at the Mental Research Institute in Palo Alto, California, the fundamental principle of RAS is that repetition of an unsuccessful solution can actually serve to perpetuate and further entrench a problem. A true reducer of complexity, a definition of RAS is presented that appreciates the biopsychosocial dimensions of diagnosis and intervention. Data is also presented from SYPRENE, a systemic therapy practice research network that documents the use of strategic interventions to terminate RAS.

Key words

Attempts at redundant solutions, mechanisms of change, strategic-systemic therapy, cybernetics, Mental Research Institute

Key points:

1. The concept of Redundant Solution Attempts (RAS) originated at the Mental Research Institute in Palo Alto, California.
2 .
The main tenet of RAS, grounded in systems thinking, is that repetition of an unsuccessful attempt to solve a problem can actually serve to perpetuate and reinforce the problem. 3. The main objective of the therapist is therefore to interrupt the repetitions of the RAS.
4. RAS are often based on (il)logics of avoidance or false control - or a combination of these.
5. Evidence is presented from SYPRENE, an international systemic therapy practice research network, supporting the therapeutic efficacy of RAS termination in problem solving.

doctor in Abstract:

The theory of redundant attempted solutions (RAS) is described from its origins to today. Based in cybernetics and introduced at the Mental Research Institute in Palo Alto, California, the main principle of RAS is that repeat ing an unsuccessful solution may actually serve to perpetuate and further entrench a problem. A true reducer of complexity, a definition of RAS is presented that appreciates biopsychosocial dimensions of diagnosis and intervention . Data are also presented from SYPRENE, a systemic therapy practice research network that documents the use of strategic interventions to stop RAS

Keywords

redundant attempted solutions, mechanisms of change, strategic-systemic therapy, cybernetics, Mental Research Institute

Keypoints:

1. The concept of redundant attempted solutions (RAS) originated at the Mental Research Institute in Palo Alto, California.
2. The main principle of RAS, based in systemic thinking, is that repeating an unsuccessful attempt to solve a problem may actually serve to perpetuate and further entrench the problem.
3.
The main purpose of the therapist, therefore, is to disrupt repetitions of RAS. 4. RAS are often based on the (il)logics of avoidance or false control – or some combination of these.
5. Evidence is presented from SYPRENE, an international systemic therapy practice research network, supporting the therapeutic problem-solving effectiveness of stopping RAS.