FSI American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) Practice Exam 2025 - Free AAMFT Practice Questions and Study Guide

The concept that describes the process of maintaining stability while managing change is homeostasis. In the context of systems theory, homeostasis refers to the ability of a system, such as a family or organization, to regulate its internal environment and maintain a stable, constant condition even when external factors are fluctuating.

When change occurs, homeostatic mechanisms are triggered to restore balance and stability. For instance, if a family experiences stress due to a new member or change in dynamics, the family may adjust their roles or communication patterns to mitigate the impact of this change and restore a sense of equilibrium. This capacity to adapt while still preserving core functions and relationships is essential for the health and functionality of the system.

While systemic balance, dynamic equilibrium, and feedback loops are related concepts within the framework of systems theory, they do not specifically capture the essence of managing change to maintain stability in the same way that homeostasis does. Systemic balance often refers to the overall stability of a system without necessarily addressing the changes that occur. Dynamic equilibrium suggests a state of balance that is actively maintained, yet it does not fully encompass the mechanisms involved in adjusting to change. Feedback loops illustrate how responses to situations can affect future states within a system, but they do not directly denote the