What does developmental system change refer to in family therapy?

Developmental system change in family therapy refers to transitions within stages of family development. This concept focuses on how families evolve and adapt over time as they navigate various developmental stages, such as marriage, parenting, and launching children into adulthood. Each stage presents unique challenges and requires families to adjust their dynamics, communication patterns, and roles. Understanding these transitions is critical for therapists in order to help families effectively manage the changes and challenges that arise during these significant life cycle events.

Long-term adjustments in family roles are important but are typically seen as a result of developmental system change rather than the change itself. Similarly, the separation of family members and the concept of independence in children are aspects that may arise during certain stages but do not encapsulate the broader notion of developmental system change that applies to the entire family unit's growth and evolution.