Question

The couple continues by explaining that at times they will try different things to fix their marriage, such as going out on dates and giving each other compliments, but that these efforts do not last. Which systems theory concept do these efforts most resemble?

A. Circular Causality

B. Homeostasis

C. First-Order change

D. Double Bind

Answer 1

Here Circular causality theory is not the concept as the efforts here put such as dating or complimenting is not found to worsen the issue, but the solution is not found to last longer.

Homeostasis is one where the problem would easily be resolved with solutions like going for date etc as to fix the marriage. However, here this is not happening and hence can be ruled out.

Double blinding is a concept that has no relevance here and can be directly neglected.

Here, option c which states "first-order change" is the one which is being applied here. The couple are trying the first step in fixing their marriage by using traditional methods such as going out for a date, complementing one another, etc. However, the problem is not found to be resolved and that a second-order change as a part of family therapy must be administered.