Adjustment

Adjustment and Adjustment mechanism

1. ADJUSTMENT and ADJUSTMENT MECHANISMS

2. Individual Social Demands Psychological Demands Physiological Demands Personal choices Personal Choices Biological Demands Harmony between Self and Environment = Adjustment

3. Concept of Adjustment Adjustment is a state or condition in which the individuals behaviour confirms to the demands of the culture or society to which he belongs and at the same time, he feels that his own needs have been or will be fulfilled. Adjustment is a compromise between the needs of the individual and the demands of the society in which he lives. Adjustment is a continuous process in which a person varies his behaviour to produce a more harmonious relationship between himself and his environment. It can be conceptualized as a state of equilibrium between the individual and his environment.

4. Adjustment: a product or process Adjustment can be interpreted both as process and product. Adjustment as a process describes and explains the ways and means of an individual’s adaptation to his self and his environment without reference to the quality in terms of failure or success. It only shows how the individual copes under changing circumstances. It is a continuous and ongoing process which starts at birth and continues throughout the life. Adjustment is a product or achievement when it is concerned with effectiveness with which an individual can function in changed circumstances.

5. Process of Adjustment Stress Arousing situations Life style Traumatic experience Injury Illness Coping resources Defences Social support Types of Behavioural Coping Task oriented Emotion oriented ADJUSTMENT +

6. Four Criteria of Adjustment Physical Health Psychological Comfort Work Efficiency Social Acceptance

7. Models of Adjustment Moral Model Biological Model Psychoanalytic model Behaviouristic model Humanistic-Existential model Indian model Cultural relativistic model

8. Models of Adjustment Moral Model : Oldest. Those who follow the norms are said to be well adjusted and those who violate the norms are maladjusted. Biological Model : It holds genetic, physiological and biochemical factors responsible for an individual’s adjustment. This model suggests and advocates correction of adjustive failures or disorders by correcting tissue defects and bodily malfunctioning through physical therapies, administration of drugs and surgery.

9. Models of Adjustment Psychoanalytic Model : A well adjusted person or mentally healthy person is one , who is able to maintain harmony between id, ego and superego or his biological, rational and social selves thus engaging in healthy loving relationships and productive work. 1. Freud view: A person is said to be well adjusted, when his behaviour remains normal and in harmony with his self and his environment to the extent that his ego is able to maintain the balance between the evil designs of id and moral ethical standards dictated by the superego . In case the ego is not strong enough to exercise proper control over the id or superego, maladjustment occurs. 2. Adler View: Adjustment depends upon whether one’s efforts result in success or failure to achieve one’s goals.

10. Models of Adjustment 3. Jung view: The degree of adjustment of one’s personality depends upon the extent to which one is successful in actualizing oneself. 4. Otto Rank view: Well adjusted person is one person who has the courage to be distinct, inventive and creative in various phases of life. 5. Fromm view: Adjustment is social affair not individual. It is the society which creates hostility and distrust in individuals. 6. Horney View: There are three attitudes of an individual: move towards people (be dependent upon them); move against people (hostile, rebellious); and move away from people (withdraw completely). If an individual integrates three attitudes, he remains well adjusted.

11. Behaviouristic model : Behaviour is acquired or learnt. Behaviours, whether normal or abnormal are learnt by obeying the same laws of learning. A well adjusted person is the one who has learnt behaviours which help him deal successfully with life’s demands and one who fits in with the ideals which are determined by society. Humanistic-Existential model : Adjustment implies our conscious effort to cope with stress. There is emphasis on growth orientation and positive striving. Indian Model : Emphasizes meditation and yogic practices to enhance self-discipline and concentration by focussing on the flow of the thought. Cultural- Relativistic model : Each culture has its own description of what it considers normal or healthy adjustment. This notion varies from culture to culture, significantly. The process of adjustment is not universal in its orientation and the shape it acquires is culturally determined. Models of Adjustment

12. Concept of Mental Health Mental health is the ability to adjust satisfactorily to the various strains of the environment, we meet in life and mental hygiene as the means we take to assure this adjustment.

13. Characteristics of a Mentally Healthy Person Adaptability and resilient person Socially adaptable Emotionally satisfied Desires are in harmony with socially approved goals Insight into his own conduct Enthusiastic and reasonable Good habits Philosophy of life

14. Symptoms of Maladjustment Physical symptoms: Stuttering, stammering, scratching head, biting nails, rocking feet, restlessness, drumming with fingers and vomiting. Behaviour domains: Aggression, lying, bullying, poor school achievement, hyperactivity, negativism, sex disturbances. Emotional Symptoms: Excessive worry, fear, inferiority, hatred, extreme timidity, persistent anxiety, conflicts and tension.

15. Detection of Maladjustment Observation and interview Bell adjustment inventory Anxiety scale Use of psychological tests

16. Adjustment Mechanisms Individuals adopt certain ways and means to adjust to the environment around them, solve the problems confronting them and deal with the anxiety including and conflicting processes of life, using “Adjustment Mechanisms” An adjustment mechanism may be defined as any habitual method of overcoming blocks, reaching goals, satisfying motives, relieving frustration and maintaining equilibrium.

17. Adjustment mechanism (coping behaviours) may be classified as: Adjustment by defense : Denial Repression Suppression Asceticism Isolation Displacement Projection Reaction Formation Undoing Introjection Regression Rationalization Sublimation Adjustment by Escape: Drug Addiction Alchoholism Smoking Truancy Adjustment by Illness: Psychosomatic disorder Psychoses, Neurosis Stress disorders