Second order change and evidence‐based practice

Keywords

family therapy, second order change

Abstract

Since its inception, family therapy (FT) has been distinguished by its explicit theoretical and practical focus on families and relationships as systems, with an emphasis on second order rather than first order change. As a result of these conceptual underpinnings we suggest that FT needs to look for manifestations of change which differ from individually focused disciplines such as clinical psychology. Studies of second order change have most commonly appeared in the form of conceptual papers and doctoral dissertations. We begin by revisiting the conceptual underpinnings of second order change. Building on this framework, we develop these aspects of change within the framework of recent developments in the empirical study of change. Finally, we point towards some promising directions for further evaluative work of FT as well as ways to incorporate some of these principles into training of FT students.

Original Publication Citation

Davey, M., Davey, A., Tubbs, C., Savla, J., & Anderson, S.R.(2012). Second order change and evidence-based practice. Journal of Family Therapy, 34, 72-90. DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-6427.2010.00499.x

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2012-01-25

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/5301

Publisher

Journal of Family Therapy

Language

English

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Family Life

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

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