What is the study of feedback mechanisms in self-regulating systems called?

The study of feedback mechanisms in self-regulating systems is called cybernetics. This field examines how systems, whether they be biological, mechanical, or social, utilize feedback loops to achieve equilibrium and maintain stability. Cybernetics focuses on the processes of communication and control within systems, emphasizing how they can adapt to changes in their environment through feedback.

In the context of family therapy and systems theory, understanding cybernetics is crucial as it informs therapists about how family dynamics and interactions can shape behavior and influence change. By analyzing feedback mechanisms, therapists can better understand how family members respond to one another and how these interactions can perpetuate or resolve issues within the family system.

The other concepts listed, such as equifinality, morphogenesis, and second-order change, pertain to different aspects of systems theory but do not specifically refer to the study of feedback mechanisms. Equifinality addresses how different processes can lead to the same outcome, morphogenesis involves changes and adaptations of systems over time, and second-order change refers to transformational changes in how a system operates. While these concepts are interconnected within systems thinking, they don’t capture the focus on feedback loops that defines cybernetics.