Morphostasis in Family Systems Theory

Name of Concept

Morphostasis in Family Systems Theory

Synonyms

Homeostasis

Introduction

In family systems theory, morphostasis is an automatic cybernetic process that is enacted to help the family self-regulate upon the introduction of new information that might be destabilizing.

Theoretical Context for Concept

Morphostasis is the tenet under Ludwig von Bertalanffy’s general systems theory that explains how systems remain consistently organized even in the face of constant environmental change. Morphostasis is a process by which members of a couple or family system react to new information in a way that self-corrects and thus maintains its norms. Morphostasis refers to those processes operating within systems that resist changes in existing strategies. Morphogenesis, on the other hand, refers to those processes operating within systems that foster systemic growth and development. At all times, there exists within a system a dynamic tension between morphostasis (stability) and...