D. Litt et Phil. (Psychology) / The need was identified to place the work of Mara Selvini PalazzoIi (PalazzoIi) within a specific socio-political and theoretical context in order to be able to appraise her contributions to the field of family therapy. Therefore the first part of this thesis examines the Italian context within which Palazzoli's work has evolved, with specific emphasis on certain social and political changes which have taken place in the past twenty five years. These transformations also led to a new mental health legislation (Law 180 of 1978) which saw the closing down of psychiatric institutions and in turn greatly encouraged the development of family therapy. A close analysis of Law 180 is provided with specific criticism from a systemic perspective. The nature of the Italian families with which PalazzoIi has worked is also briefly examined. Certain theoretical influences have also played an important part in the development of her work from psychoanalysis to systems theory, and lastly to complexity. These are examined, although the emphasis falls on the work of the Frenchman Edgar Morin with regard to complexity, because of the epistemological value it has for PalazzoIi's latest work. This historical development of Palazzoli's work is examined in great detail within a "complex dialectical" framework which focuses on how knowledge develops and how contradictions are often present in this process. Her psychoanalytical work is seen as the thesis of this dialectical process, moving to its antithesis, namely systems theory and, lastly the synthesis found in a model of family games. This process seems to be evolving once again and a new thesis is identified in the most recent therapeutic and theoretical developments. Attention is also given to the work carried out by PalazzoIi in larger organizations as it shows how family therapy principles can be adapted to other than therapeutic contexts. Having created this contextual framework for a critical appraisal the last chapter examines Palazzoli's work in terms of so-called "internal" and "external" factors in an attempt to identify the significance of her work for the theory and practice of family therapy. Some recommendations for future research arising from this study are given at the end of the thesis.