What term describes the ability of complex systems to reach a given final goal in multiple ways?

Study for the Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) National Exam with our interactive quiz. Access flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and detailed answers. Prepare thoroughly to excel!

Equifinality is the concept that diverse pathways can lead to the same outcome or goal within a complex system. In the context of marriage and family therapy, equifinality means that different families may adopt various strategies or approaches to achieve similar levels of functioning or emotional health.

This principle is particularly useful in therapy because it allows therapists to understand that there isn't a single "correct" way for individuals or families to resolve their issues or attain wellness. Instead, they can explore multiple avenues and strategies that may work for different family dynamics, cultures, and individual situations.

Homeostasis refers to the tendency of systems to maintain stability or balance through self-regulating mechanisms, while morphogenesis involves the process of change and adaptation within a system. Negative feedback is a mechanism that helps maintain stability by counteracting deviations from a set point. While all these concepts are related to the functioning of systems, equifinality specifically highlights the multiple routes to achieving the same desired outcome, making it the most appropriate term for the question asked.

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