Paul Watzlawick’s concept of “more of the same” comes from his systems theory of communication and problem-solving. (book online here) In simple terms, it refers to the idea that people often try to solve problems by doing more of what they’ve already been doing, even if it isn’t working. This repetitive behavior can make the problem worse rather than solving it.
“More of the Same” Loop and Its Connection to Assumptions
The “more of the same” loop describes a repetitive cycle where a person or group attempts to solve a problem by intensifying or repeating the same actions, even though those actions are not producing the desired results. The persistence of this ineffective behavior is largely driven by unquestioned assumptions about the problem, which shape how the person perceives the situation and chooses to respond.
How Assumptions Drive the Loop
- Initial Assumption Shapes the Understanding of the Problem:
- The person forms an assumption about the root cause of the problem. This assumption acts as a mental shortcut that simplifies the complexity of the situation. However, this assumption is often based on limited information, biases, or past experiences.
- Example: A teacher assumes a disruptive student is misbehaving because they lack respect, rather than considering external stressors or a learning difficulty.
- Assumption Dictates the Strategy:
- The assumption leads to a specific response or solution that is designed to address the perceived cause of the problem. This response is entirely dependent on the assumption being correct.
- Example: Based on the assumption about disrespect, the teacher enforces stricter discipline, believing that punishment will correct the behavior.
- Action Fails, Assumption Goes Unquestioned:
- When the chosen solution doesn’t work, the person rarely questions their assumption. Instead, they interpret the failure as a sign that the solution wasn’t applied strongly or persistently enough.
- Example: The teacher believes the student is continuing to misbehave because the punishment wasn’t severe enough, rather than considering that the assumption about disrespect might be wrong.
- Repetition and Escalation:
- The person intensifies or repeats the same action (or a slight variation of it), driven by the belief that eventually, more of the same will resolve the issue. This escalation often worsens the problem, creating a vicious cycle.
- Example: The teacher increases punishments (e.g., detentions or public reprimands), which only fuels the student’s frustration or anxiety, leading to more disruptive behavior.
Why the Loop Persists
- Cognitive Bias: People tend to hold on to their initial assumptions, even in the face of evidence that contradicts them (confirmation bias).
- Emotional Investment: Admitting the assumption is wrong may feel like admitting failure, so the person avoids reevaluating their approach.
- Lack of Perspective: In the heat of the moment, it’s easier to default to familiar patterns of behavior rather than step back and reconsider the situation.
Breaking the “More of the Same” Loop
To escape the loop, the person must:
- Acknowledge the Problem: Recognize that their current approach isn’t working.
- Challenge the Assumption: Reflect on whether the initial assumption about the problem is accurate or whether alternative explanations exist.
- Shift Perspectives: Consider new ways of understanding the problem that don’t rely on the original assumption.
- Implement Second-Order Change: Instead of intensifying the same strategy, try a fundamentally different approach that addresses the root cause.
A n example of how more of the same may apply to child protection
The persistent increase in child protection investigations in England since 2005 reflects a “more of the same” loop, where the system repeatedly applies the same approach—escalating investigations—without addressing underlying structural issues.
Assumptions Driving the Loop:
- Parental Blame: The system often attributes child protection concerns primarily to parental behavior, overlooking broader societal factors.
- Investigation as Solution: There’s a prevailing belief that increasing the number of investigations will enhance child safety, leading to a cycle of escalating scrutiny.
Structural Factors Overlooked:
- Poverty: Families in deprived areas face higher rates of child protection interventions, yet the system frequently neglects the role of poverty in creating stress and challenges within families. ATD UK
- Inequitable Services: Disparities in access to health and social services mean that families in need may not receive adequate support, contributing to situations that are misinterpreted as neglect or abuse. SpringerLink
Consequences of the Loop:
- Resource Strain: Focusing on investigations diverts resources from preventive measures and support services that could address root causes.
- Family Impact: High levels of investigations in deprived areas or among excluded groups can erode trust between families and authorities, making it harder to engage in constructive support.
Breaking the Loop:
- Reframe Assumptions: Shift the perspective to recognize that child protection issues often stem from systemic inequalities rather than solely parental failings.
- Address Structural Issues: Invest in community resources, improve access to health and social services, and implement policies that alleviate poverty.
- Preventive Focus: Prioritize giving help to families to prevent situations from escalating to the point of requiring investigation.
By acknowledging and addressing the structural factors contributing to child protection concerns, the system can move away from a cycle of repetitive investigations and towards more effective, supportive interventions. However this requires a major shift in current understanding of the child protection problem
