From Rigid to Resilient: Adaptability as the Heart of Family Functioning Adaptability is a foundational concept in Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT), signifying a family's ability to adjust its organization, leadership, roles, and rules in response to internal changes or external pressures. When families experience developmental milestones, crises, or shifting member needs, adaptability determines how effectively they reorganize and maintain functioning. A family with low adaptability may feel stuck, perpetuating patterns that no longer serve its members, whereas a highly adaptable family reorganizes itself as problems or transitions arise, ultimately fostering resilience and growth. Olson's [...]