Psychological Adjustment

Dr. Karima Mokhtar – Lecturer at UHA University

Definition of Psychological Adjustment

Psychological adjustment is the continuous dynamic process through which an individual aims to change their behavior in order to reach a more harmonious relationship with themselves and with their environment. This environment includes all factors and resources that contribute to psychological and physical stability. It consists of three aspects: the natural environment, the material environment, and the social environment. It also includes the individual’s components, inclinations, tendencies, and self-concept

According to the Comprehensive Dictionary of Psychological Terms, psychological adjustment is defined as a state of harmonious interaction with the environment, enabling the individual to effectively satisfy their needs and face various demands

Lazarus views a well-adjusted person as one who exhibits psychological comfort, work efficiency, self-acceptance, and acceptance of others. Hamid Zahran states that psychological adjustment entails inner happiness and contentment, fulfillment of innate and acquired drives, ultimately leading to inner peace

Moreover, psychological adjustment refers to the mental processes that help individuals deal with life challenges, enhancing their ability to cope with life’s demands. It involves developing healthy habits, including adjustment to one’s professional life

Some people confuse the terms "adjustment" and "adaptation." Psychological adjustment refers to internal psychological processes, freedom from conflict, and harmony within the individual’s dynamic structure. In contrast, psychological adaptation is more of a cognitive or behavioral trait that helps an organism function in its environment

Psychological adaptation is part of evolved psychological mechanisms. However, these mechanisms refer to a broader set of traits. Adaptation refers to functional traits that increase an organism’s fitness, while adjustment includes any evolved psychological mechanism through evolutionary processes

Cattell links adaptation with adjustment. A person whose behavior conforms to societal standards but conflicts with their inner beliefs is adapted but not adjusted. True adjustment occurs when behavior aligns with beliefs and values, indicating both adaptation and adjustment

Difference Between Psychological Adaptation and Adjustment

The term adjustment originated from adaptation, which originally emerged from biology, especially Darwin’s theory of evolution (1859). The concept implies that an organism attempts to align itself with its natural environment for survival

In 1860, Aubert defined adaptation as the change occurring in the pupil of the eye in response to light intensity

Later, the concept came to describe human behavior in response to environmental pressures, such as climate. In summer, for example, people wear light clothing, while in winter, they wear heavier garments

While biology focuses on physical survival, psychology is concerned with psychological and social survival. Thus, psychology borrowed the biological concept of adaptation and repurposed it into adjustment

Adjustment is a complex term tied to varying theoretical perspectives on human nature and diverse cultural frameworks. One reason for confusion is the overlapping of terms across languages

In English, we see:

Accommodation : a social process to reduce or avoid conflict

Conformity : compliance with group norms and expectations

Adaptation : a biological term denoting an organism’s ability to change itself or its environment for survival

Adjustment : the psychological term used for mental and emotional alignment

Despite differences, researchers agree that both adaptation and adjustment are crucial for achieving optimal psychological well-being. Humans adapt biologically and adjust psychologically and socially

Indicators of Psychological Adjustment

Psychological adjustment manifests in several ways, including

Effectiveness: The adjusted person exhibits goal-directed behavior aimed at solving problems and managing stress through direct confrontation

Efficiency: The individual uses their energy realistically, avoiding fruitless efforts and overcoming obstacles

Congruence: Consistency among thoughts, emotions, and behavior. Actions reflect reality-based perceptions

Flexibility: The ability to adapt and modify behavior, especially during crises

Learning from experience: Viewing past challenges as opportunities for future growth

Social effectiveness: Healthy, balanced social interactions without dependency or withdrawal

Self-assurance: High self-esteem and confidence in one's self-worth

Types of Psychological Adjustment

1. Personal Adjustment: Self-acceptance and independence in fulfilling basic and acquired needs without relying on external validation

2. Social Adjustment: Integration with socially similar groups to achieve self-acceptance and restore balance after social rejection

3. Emotional Adjustment: Choosing a partner who shares similar intellectual, social, or economic traits for inner harmony

4. Occupational Adjustment: Awareness of job suitability, sometimes influenced by gender norms

5. Marital Adjustment: Emotional acceptance of marriage involving mutual respect, emotional expression, agreement on parenting, financial management, and sexual satisfaction

6. Religious Adjustment: Achieved through sincere faith. Religion provides a deep sense of personal integration and emotional security

7. Academic Adjustment: The student’s acceptance of the school environment and educational process, leading to success and academic achievement

Importance of Psychological Adjustment

Psychological adjustment enables self-acceptance and social integration. It supports choosing a suitable partner and career and contributes to academic success. Religious adjustment brings peace and security

Causes of Poor Psychological Adjustment

1. Childhood Issues: Psychological stress from family conflicts, bullying, harsh discipline, or unmet emotional needs

2. Poor Social Skills: Low academic or work performance due to poor communication or interpersonal skills

3. Chronic Stress: Ongoing pressures such as family breakdown, financial difficulties, parenting stress, etc

4. Constant Humiliation: Abuse from parents, partners, caregivers, teachers, or peers diminishes self-worth

5. Illness and Disability: Chronic illness, pain, physical disability, or noticeable physical differences

6. Mental Illness: Disorders like anxiety or depression, especially when untreated, can severely impair adjustment

7. Role Conflicts: Psychological barriers like conflicting goals or indecisiveness, along with material and social obstacles such as financial limitations or restrictive societal norms

Theories Explaining Psychological Adjustment

1. Psychoanalytic Theory (Freud): Adjustment is largely unconscious, shaped by the ego’s ability to balance between the id and superego. A strong ego leads to good adjustment; a weak one results in inner conflict and poor adjustment

2. Behavioral Theory (Watson & Skinner): Adjustment is learned through environmental reinforcement. It is not based on feelings but shaped by repeated experiences and rewards

3. Humanistic Theory (Rogers): Individuals are capable of solving their problems and achieving adjustment if they have a positive self-concept and openness to experience

4. Cognitive Theory (Aaron Beck): Poor adjustment stems from cognitive distortions—errors in processing information leading to negative thoughts and behaviors

Dimensions of Psychological Adjustment

Personal Adjustment: Happiness with oneself, satisfaction of internal needs, and reduced internal conflict

Social Adjustment: Harmonious relationships, adherence to societal norms, and positive social interaction

Occupational Adjustment: Proper career choice, preparedness, efficiency, satisfaction, and success

Factors Influencing Psychological Adjustment

Successful adjustment depends on meeting developmental needs across all life stages:

Physical Development: Good health, healthy habits, and physical skills

Cognitive Development: Utilizing intellectual potential, gaining knowledge, and developing clear thinking and creativity

Social Development: Accepting reality, forming values, interacting effectively, and achieving moral and religious maturity