What aspect does "first-order change" refer to in family therapy?

"First-order change" refers to changes that occur without altering the underlying structure of the family system. This concept is rooted in systems theory, which suggests that behavior in a family can change at the surface level without addressing or modifying the deeper relational patterns or dynamics that govern the family as a whole.

For instance, if a family adjusts their routine or some behaviors—like a particular family member deciding to be more compliant during conflicts—those changes can be classified as first-order changes. They may temporarily improve interactions or lessen immediate conflicts without addressing the foundational issues that contribute to them. This aligns with the idea of maintaining the current family structure while making only superficial adjustments.

In contrast, higher-order changes involve deeper transformations in the family's interactions, roles, and relationships, which fundamentally alter how the family operates.