Adjustment and maladjustment

seminar

1. Mahitha G Natural science Adjustment and Maladjustment

2. Introduction

3. Herbert spencer : “life is the continuous adjustment of the internal to the external relations.” A person adapts himself to environment , to overcome frustration through adjustment. It starts from birth of the child and continues till his death. It is modified and affected by individual’s experiences learning play a significant role in aiding adjustment.

4. Meaning & definition Symonds [1933] : adjustment is a satisfactory relation of an organisation to its environment. Ruth Strong [1949] : a process and not a state. James Drever [1952] : the modification to compensate for special conditions. Coleman and James C [1956] : the outcome of individual attempts to deal with stress and meet his needs, also his effort to maintain harmonious relationship with the environment.

5. Shaffer, L.S. [1961] : a process by which a living organism maintain a balance between its needs and the circumstances that influence the satisfaction of these needs. Arkoff [1968] : is the interaction between a person and his environment. An individual is adjusted if he is adjusted to himself and to his environment. Geuner , B.Vonhaller : we can think of adjustment as psychological survival in much ; the same way as biologist uses the term to describe physiological survival.

6. Characteristics … Helps to keep balance b/w our needs and capacity to meet these needs. It implies changes in our thinking and way of life to the demands of the situation. Gives us the ability and strength to bring desirable changes in the state of our environment. It is physiological as well as psychological. It is multidimensional. Brings us happiness and contentment.

7. Nature of balanced adjustment Good physical health. Emotionally balanced, free from conflicts and frustrations. Wors efficiency or full use of one’s occupational skills. Socially acceptable behaviour. Competence in interpersonal relations. School adjustment.

8. Characteristics of a well adjusted person… Adequate philosophy of life. Awareness of one’s assets and limitations. Balanced level of aspiration – neither too high nor too low. Satisfaction of basic needs. Rational and appreciative aptitude. Flexible behaviour. Strong will to face challenges. Realistic perception of life. Respect for oneself and others. Homely feeling with the environment.

9. Adjustment as a P sychological P rocess.. As a process – is major interest to psychologist, to understand a person & his behaviour. The way one tries to adjust himself to his external environment @ any time  depends on interaction b/w biological factors in growth & social experiece .

10. Maladjustment … “the degree of disharmony b/w the individual & the environment. Results from frustration caused by non-satisfaction of the needs. When we are unable to provide situations in school which enable the child to satisfy his needs – leads to maladjustment.

11. contd … Herbert sorenson : “ A person is not in harmony with his work if it is too hard or too easy. if it is too hard or if the student has too little capacity  excessive failure is experienced. if it is too easy or if the student had too high ability for his work  the work is dull and dreading.

12. Symptoms … Committee on Maladjusted Children [U.K.] 1955 : reported; Nervous disorders Fear: anxiety,phobias,timidity,oversensityvity . Depression Apathy etc., Habit disorders Speech : stammering,speech defect. Sleep : sleep walking or talking Movements : nail biting,rocking Feeding : vomiting,indiscriminate eating Nervous pains & paralysis : headache Physical symptoms : asthma & other allergic conditions

13. Cont …. C. Behaviour disorders Unmanagable : dis obedience, refusal to go to school. Aggressiveness : cruelty Organic disorders Head injuries,central tumour,epilepsy & cholera. Educational and Vocational difficulties Unusual response to school discipline Inability to concentrate Inability to keep jobs

14. Reference … Essential of E ducational Psychology – J.C.Agarwal ; 1994. Educational Psychology – Dr. G. Aruna Mohan; 2003.

15. Thank U .