Homeostasis

Homeostasis describes an ongoing process of system-level monitoring and adjustment that occurs in systems to maintain balance and order. A system is defined as a set of smaller components that interact to form a more complex whole. A group of parents and children, for example, may form a family system. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins may reflect components connected to the immediate system and form another larger family system. Within family systems, homeostasis refers to unique behavioral, emotional, and interactional patterns developed and maintained by systems to enhance stability.

Homeostasis is not a fixed process. Instead, systems constantly use feedback, or information about the system, to monitor and self-correct. If movement beyond tolerable levels is detected, homeostatic mechanisms are activated to restore stability to the system. ...