Wife abuse through the lens of 'systems theory.' (response to article by Ann D. Carden in this issue, p. 539) (Wife Abuse)

Ann D. Carden's study of wife abuse was praised for admitting that few definitive conclusions may be drawn from studies of the issue due to its complexity. However, Carden's version of systems theory is dated and has been rejected by most modern family therapists. Specifically, Carden's version of systems theory is too narrow and simplistic, attributing causality and responsibility for wife abuse in a way that would be repudiated by many family therapists.