Morphogenesis in Family Systems Theory

Name of Concept

Morphogenesis in Family Systems Theory

Synonyms

Positive feedback loop

Introduction

Morphogenesis, meaning “creation or beginning of shape,” is the cybernetic process that occurs when a family system reacts to a perceived change by moving away from its status quo (Hoffman 1981).

Theoretical Context for Concept

Morphogenesis is a tenet of Ludwig von Bertalanffy’s general systems theory for understanding organizational behavior as nonlinear (Bertalanffy 1968). In a family systems context, morphogenesis is the process by which families actively change in response to new information and stimuli. Morphogenesis results when positive feedback loops* initiate and amplify a family system’s deviation away from its homeostatic state.

Description

In the family system, morphogenesis describes a family’s ability to grow and adapt to change while maintaining balance. In all families, there is an ongoing dynamic tension between trying to maintain stability and introducing change....