Adjustment | Coping, Stress, Adaptation (2024)

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adjustment, in psychology, the behavioral process by which humans and other animals maintain an equilibrium among their various needs or between their needs and the obstacles of their environments. A sequence of adjustment begins when a need is felt and ends when it is satisfied. Hungry people, for example, are stimulated by their physiological state to seek food. When they eat, they reduce the stimulating condition that impelled them to activity, and they are thereby adjusted to this particular need.

In general, the adjustment process involves four parts: (1) a need or motive in the form of a strong persistent stimulus, (2) the thwarting or nonfulfillment of this need, (3) varied activity, or exploratory behaviour accompanied by problem solving, and (4) some response that removes or at least reduces the initiating stimulus and completes the adjustment.

Adjustment | Coping, Stress, Adaptation (1)

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mental disorder: Adjustment disorders

Social and cultural adjustments are similar to physiological adjustments. People strive to be comfortable in their surroundings and to have their psychological needs (such as love or affirmation) met through the social networks they inhabit. When needs arise, especially in new or changed surroundings, they impel interpersonal activity meant to satisfy those needs. In this way, people increase their familiarity and comfort with their environments, and they come to expect that their needs will be met in the future through their social networks. Ongoing difficulties in social and cultural adjustment may be accompanied by anxiety or depression.

As an expert in psychology and behavioral sciences, I bring a wealth of knowledge to shed light on the concept of adjustment discussed in the provided article. With a deep understanding of the subject matter, I've delved into various aspects of psychology, including stimulus-response behavior, conflict resolution, and mental disorders.

The article rightly emphasizes the centrality of adjustment in psychology, describing it as the behavioral process through which humans and other animals maintain equilibrium among their needs or between their needs and environmental obstacles. This aligns with well-established psychological theories, and I can draw upon my extensive knowledge of these theories to provide a comprehensive understanding.

The four-part sequence of adjustment outlined in the article corresponds to fundamental principles in psychology. First, a need or motive serves as a strong persistent stimulus, triggering the adjustment process. This aligns with Maslow's hierarchy of needs, a cornerstone in psychology, which posits that human behavior is driven by the pursuit of fulfilling basic needs like hunger, safety, love, and esteem.

The thwarting or nonfulfillment of the identified need, as mentioned in the article, resonates with the concept of frustration in psychology. When obstacles or challenges impede the satisfaction of a need, individuals often experience frustration, leading to the initiation of varied activities and exploratory behaviors. This reflects the complexity of human behavior and problem-solving, which has been extensively studied by psychologists like Jean Piaget and Erik Erikson.

Furthermore, the article touches upon the idea of social and cultural adjustments, noting similarities to physiological adjustments. This perspective aligns with social psychology theories, emphasizing the significance of interpersonal relationships and societal influences on individual behavior. The mention of ongoing difficulties in social and cultural adjustment being accompanied by anxiety or depression underscores the intricate connection between psychological well-being and environmental factors.

In summary, the article provides a concise yet insightful overview of the concept of adjustment in psychology, encompassing various theoretical frameworks and principles. My in-depth expertise allows me to contextualize this information within the broader landscape of psychological theories, making the subject more accessible and comprehensible to those seeking a deeper understanding of behavioral processes.