1. Introduction
2. Organization of the Course
3. Systemic Approaches to Human Behavior
4. Bioecological Model
5. Contexts
6. Influence
7. Family Life Cycle Model
8. Approach
9. Jay Haley
10. Why look at transitions?
11. Life Events Precipitate Change
12. Two Types of Family Changes
13. Dysfunctional Families
14. Stressors on Family System
15. Six Stages of Predictable Family Changes
16. Thought Questions
17. Timing and Dysfunction in This Systems Model
18. Lesson 1A Assignments

Two Types of Changes in this model:

Second Order Changes

For major life changes, second order changes are required. These are major reorganizations of roles, memberships and status. Fundamental shifts in relationships occur.

First Order Changes

Second order changes are different than first order changes that occur in systems.

Examples: In a university setting, the first order change would be one where names or content of courses in psychology occur. The second order change would occur if the university merged psychology with the philosphy department.

For a child, moving from first to second grade is a first order change, versus high school to moving away to college, which is a second order change.