mobile = a moving object such as a car?

Context:

Systems theory provides a root metaphor for thinking about family interactions as well as language for talking about ongoing changing family interactions with other human systems [7]. In the case of a family member’s cancer diagnosis, systems theory is particularly apt and useful. Family therapist Virginia Satir [8] used the image of a mobile to describe a family system because as circumstances impact one or more members of the family, the other members reverberate in response to the change in the affected members. When individuals form families they also create family
systems through their interaction patterns. Such human systems reflect characteristics of interdependence, patterns, interactive complexity, mutual influence, equifinality,1 and openness [9]. Human systems depend on interchange with the larger ecosystem in order to survive and thrive; these systems function within larger social systems such as friendship, religious, educational, and health networks. As developmental changes and unpredictable stresses occur, the family system mobile moves as members work through the issues, often creating a slightly different
mobile configuration as a result. Most changes send the mobile into limited
motion from which recovery is reasonably swift and sure; based on discussion, careful decision making, and negotiations, family members assimilate the new information or situation and find a new sense of balance. On occasion, a family encounters an unpredictable stress that sends the mobile spinning out of control; the gravity, complexity, and uncertainty of the situation shatters the possibility of relying on previous knowledge or coping patterns. The announcement that a child has life-threatening cancer sends the family mobile into chaotic movement. In minutes,
the family’s world as they know it has changed forever. A further statement that the
child may face fertility issues as a result of treatment only deepens the vortex in
which members find themselves. No option for gradual assimilation exists.
The family system must interact continually with other systems, including those
of medical personnel within health care institutions, as well as the family’s
established support systems. As the family system faces upheaval and stress, the
parental figures, and potentially the patient, confront making multiple decisions
regarding unfamiliar issues that are difficult to discuss. As medical personnel
describe an array of concerns, procedures, and options, the family is drawn into a
web of communication involving medical, psychological, and ethical issues that is
challenging emotionally and intellectually. Family decision making is frequently
described as a phased problem solving loop beginning with phase 1 (identifying the
problem, formulating a goal, and assessing resources), phase 2 (generating and
assessing alternatives), phase 3 (selecting the best option) and phase 4 (accepting
a decision, putting it into effect, and evaluating the outcome) [10]. Such a model
assumes decisions are made over a period of time and conclusions may be reached
before the family assimilates the change and moves on. This is not the pattern if the
1 Equifinality is a concept central to family systems theory. It supposes that there is more than one
route or option that can lead to the same final outcome.