Mesosystem Restructuring (MR)

Mesosystem Restructuring (MR) is the Sociocultural-family matrix Substrate

Definition:

Mesosystem Restructuring (MR) is a method which encompasses techniques that restructure the inter-relationships,structure, function, and hierarchy among cultural, family, and individual subsystems. The focus of MR is change in the ecological system at Level IV (sociocultural-familial). Thus, MR represents the most macroscopic perspective of the domain levels. An intervention at any level might qualify as MR, as small perturbations in a complex system can lead to shifts in the manner the system operates. In particular, MR is oriented to the larger social. political, and cultural units as they interact with family and individual personality systems.

Function:

• Ecosystem restructuring

Goals of Mesosystem Restructuring:

• Subtypes of Mesosystem Restructuring:
  • Ecosystem restructuring: focus on systematically altering component domains of mesosystem

Techniques:

• Multisystemic family therapy (Markowitz, 1997)
• Ideal substance use plan (Tatarsky, 2003)
• Goal setting without requiring abstinence (Tatarsky, 2003)
• Community members as clinical helpers (James, 1996)