Concept · Stability and change
Morphostasis and morphogenesis: navigating between stability and change
Systemic psychotherapy, with its unique perspective on relational and family dynamics, offers a lens through which to explore two fascinating concepts: morphostasis and morphogenesis. Technical terms, admittedly — yet they reflect the essence of our human journey through the sometimes turbulent waters of stability and change.
Where do these concepts come from?
The origin of morphostasis and morphogenesis goes back to the pioneering work of Magoroh Maruyama, in 1962. Maruyama puzzled over a mystery: the amount of genetic information seemed insufficient to explain the complexity of an adult individual’s structure. This question led him to explore the genetic rules that allow a multitude of combinations — much as the rules of music make it possible to create a great variety of melodies from the seven notes of the scale.
Two sides of the same coin
Morphostasis and morphogenesis are like two sides of the same coin. Together, they guide the system towards homeostasis, a state of dynamic equilibrium.
MORPHOSTASIS
The maintenance of stability in a system: what preserves existing forms, rules and routines.
MORPHOGENESIS
The evolution towards new states of equilibrium: what prompts the system to transform itself and invent other forms.
Whether in the family, relational or individual context, the dance between morphostasis and morphogenesis is constantly at play. In a family, for instance, the arrival of a new member can trigger a morphogenesis, prompting everyone to adjust their traditions and routines.
In systemic psychotherapy
In systemic psychotherapy, these concepts help us better understand and work with the complex dynamics within families, couples and individuals. They offer a way to navigate between the need for stability and the desire for change, thereby fostering a harmonious balance.
Morphostasis and morphogenesis are not only precious tools for therapists: they invite us all to reflect on how we navigate, in our own lives, between stability and change. They remind us of the importance of harmony, in our relationships as in our personal growth.
For a deeper exploration of these concepts and their application in therapy, the full episode — in French — is below.
How to cite this article
Besse, J. (2023, November 26). Morphostasis and morphogenesis: navigating between stability and change. Complexe Systémique. https://app.complexe-systemique.com/en_GB/articles/morphostasis-and-morphogenesis-navigating-between-stability-and-change
To go further
- Provoking change: the 9 premises of changeNine premises to understand what makes change truly possible.
- Gregory Bateson's logical levels: thinking change in depthWith Bateson, change is thought through in depth, level by level.
- What if our symptoms had a function?When the symptom works, in its own way, to maintain the system's balance.
- The 4 types of crises to recognize in order to accompany them betterUnexpected blow, loss of a protector, structural or developmental crisis: learning to tell them apart.
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