family psychotherapy: change, first and second order
A system is able to change in two ways: (1) Individual parameters change in a continuous manner but the structure of the system does not alter; this is known as "first-order change." (2) The system changes qualitatively and in a discontinuous manner; this is known as "second-order change." This second type of change is systems occurs with "changes in the body of rules governing their structure or internal order" (Watzlawick, Weakland, & Fisch, 1974). Second-order change is change of change.*
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- Walzlawick, P., Weakland, J. H., & Fisch, R. Change: Priniciples of problem formation and problem resolution. New York: W. W. Norton & Co., 1974.
*Extracted with permission from Simon, Fritz et al Language of Family Therapy - A Systemic Vocabulary and Source Book (Family Process Press Series) Paperback 1985 Family Process, Inc.