Form Stagnation

Form stagnation is a physical disorder unique to races capable of changing shape wherein the individual is incapable of altering their physical appearance or changing form. Though members of other races might be able to temporarily change their form using magic, they are not considered form-stagnant (unless they are turned into a morpher and are subsequently found to be unable to change shape).
Rarely, there are some individuals who might be able to do minor "cosmetic" appearance changes, but there is debate in the medical community if such people are truly form-stagnant or if they simply find it difficult to change shape for other reasons. For the most part, the ability to change shape is either one way or the other -- either the person is able to do it, or they absolutely cannot, no matter what is done. The disorder is generally something one is born with and is recognized in childhood, but there have been incidents where someone becomes form-stagnant as a result of physical or mental trauma.
Culturally, form stagnation is most heavily stigmatized in areas where shape-changing races are dominant, though morphers are generally more sympathetic to someone who was recently turned into a morpher and cannot change shape. In such cases, a morpher might expect the individual to "outgrow" their form stagnation, and if they cannot, there may be a sentiment of something being wrong with the form-stagnant person. Even in places where shape-changing races are a minority, form stagnation is rare enough that non-shifting races would likely be surprised to hear such a thing exists, and thus form-stagnant individuals may face similar discrimination.
Because of the stigmatization of the disorder, "form-stagnant" or "unchanging" are common jeers among shape-changing races, particularly children. Such cultures are generally "built" with the ability to change form in mind. Someone who is not able to do so would struggle to keep up in some everyday activities or would quickly have their disorder realized. In areas where changing shape is less common, a form-stagnant person might be able to hide their disorder more effectively.
Individuals who are form-stagnant are likely to have low self-esteem from both the stigmatization of the disorder and also being unable to alter their appearance to something pleasing to them. They may feel "stuck" in what they view as an ugly body or one that doesn't "fit" them, the feelings only intensifying with how easily their peers are able to alter their appearance. Form stagnation is very comorbid with mood disorders such as depression.
The cause of form stagnation is unknown, and there is no known cure for it, but form-stagnant individuals or their relatives may desperately seek out false "treatments" nonetheless.
Category:Ealdremen Psychology