The dictionary meaning of the word adjustment is, to make suitable, adapt, arrange, modify, harmonize or make correspondent. Thus, when we make an adjustment between two thing, we adapt or modify one or both of them to correspond to each other In some situations, one of the factors may not be changeable and so the one which is has to be modified in some way to suit the otherWearing of clothes according to the requirements of the seasons is such example as ordinarily, it beyond our capacity to change the season according to our clothes

Adjustment,is 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.

Adjustment may be defined as a process of altering behavior to reach a harmonious relationship with the environment. When people say they are in an adjustment period they typically mean they are going through a process of change and are searching for some level of balance or acceptance with the environment, others, or themselves

Adjustment is the relationship which comes to be established between the individual and the environment. Every individual plays certain position in his social relations. He is trained to play his role in such a way that his maximum needs will be fulfilled. So, he should play his role properly and get maximum satisfaction. If he does not play his role according to standards and training Home Environment received his needs may not be fulfilled and he may get frustrated.

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.

James Drever (1952): Adjustment means the modification to compensate for or meet special conditions Webster. Adjustment is the establishment of a satisfactory relationship as representing harmony, conformance, adaptation or the like. Carter V Good (/959): Adjustment is the process of finding and adopting modes of behavior suitable to the environment or the changes in the environment.

A well adjusted personality is well prepared to play the roles which are expected of the status assigned to him with in given environment. His needs will be satisfied in accordance with the social needs. Psychologists have interpreted adjustment from two important points of view. Adjustment as an Achievement. Adjustment as a process.

Adjustment as an achievement means how effectively an individual could perform his duties in different circumstances. Business, military education and other social activities need efficient and well adjusted men for the progress and wellbeing of the nation.If we interpret adjustment as achievement then we will have to set the criteria to judge the quality of adjustment.

Adjustment as a process describes and explains the ways and means of an individuals adaptation to his self and his environment without reference to the quality of such adjustment or its outcome in terms of success or failure. It only shows how individuals or a group or groups of people cope under changing circumstances and what factors influence this adjustment.

Continuous process. The process of adjustment continuous it starts at ones birth and goes on without stop till ones death. Consequently, the process or terms of an individuals adjustment can be expected to change from situation to situation and according to Arkoff (1968), there is nothing like satisfactory or complete adjustment which can be achieved once and for all lime. It is s that is constantly achieved and received by us.

Two-way process. Adjustment is a two way process and involves not only the process of fitting oneself into available circumstances but also the process of changing the circumstances to fit ones needs. Emphasizing this two-way nature of the adjustment process. Robert W. White (1956) writes- The concept of adjustment implies a constant interaction between the person and his environment, each making demands on the other. Sometimes adjustment is accomplished when the person yields and accepts conditions which are beyond his power to change. Sometimes it is achieved when the environment yields to the persons constructive activities. In most cases adjustment is a compromise between these two extremes and maladjustment is a failure to achieve a satisfactory compromise.

Awareness of his own strengths and limitations. Respecting himself and others. An adequate level of aspiration.Satisfaction of basic needs. Absence of a critical or fault-finding attitude. Flexibility in behavior.The capacity to deal with adverse circumstances. A realistic perception of the world. A feeling of ease with his surroundings. A balanced philosophy of life.Physically, socially , psychologically and emotionally adjustedMake full use of his occupational and social capacitiesSocially accepted by other personsHealthy attitudes and interests

Adjustment disorders are unusual reactions to a stressful event or situation. These reactions start within 3 months of the stressful event.Adjustment disorder is a short-term condition that occurs when a person is unable to cope with, or adjust to, a particular source of stress, such as a major life change, loss, or event

Feeling of hopelessnessSadnessFrequent cryingAnxiety (nervousness)WorryHeadaches or stomachachesPalpitations (an unpleasant sensation of irregular or forceful beating of the heart)Withdrawal or isolation from people and social activitiesAbsence from work or schoolDangerous or destructive behavior, such as fighting, reckless driving, and vandalismChanges in appetite, either loss of appetite, or overeatingProblems sleepingFeeling tired or without energyIncrease in the use of alcohol or other drugs

There are different types of adjustment disorders, according to the symptoms that develop.Adjustment disorder with depressed moodpeople with this type of adjustment disorder often have feelings of hopelessness, sadness, or cry a lot.Adjustment disorder with anxietypeople usually feel nervous, worry, or experience jitteriness.Adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed moodpeople may have feelings of hopelessness, nervousness or feel sad, worry or cry a lot or experience jitteriness.Adjustment disorder with disturbance of conductpeople do not adhere to societal norms and rules. They may violate the rights of others with truancy, vandalism, reckless driving, fighting, or other endangering acts.Adjustment disorder with mixed disturbance of emotions and conductthis category includes people with some emotional symptoms (e.g.anxietyordepression) and disturbance of conduct symptoms.Unspecifiedthis category includes other reactions such as withdrawal, inhibition, or physical manifestations such as stomach aches or headaches.

Adjustment disorder with depressed mood.Symptoms mainly include feeling sad, tearful and hopeless, and experiencing a lack of pleasure in the things you used to enjoy.Adjustment disorder with anxiety.Symptoms mainly include nervousness, worry, difficulty concentrating or remembering things, and feeling overwhelmed. Children who have adjustment disorder with anxiety may strongly fear being separated from their parents and loved ones.Adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood.Symptoms include a mix of depression and anxiety.Adjustment disorder with disturbance of conduct.Symptoms mainly involve behavioral problems, such as fighting, reckless driving or ignoring your bills. Youths may skip school or vandalize property.Adjustment disorder with mixed disturbance of emotions and conduct.Symptoms include a mix of depression and anxiety as well as behavioral problems.Adjustment disorder unspecified.Symptoms don't fit the other types of adjustment disorders, but often include physical problems, problems with family or friends, or work or school problems.

Psychotherapeutic Counselingpersonal therapystress managementtherapycognitive behavioral therapyfamily therapygroup therapyMedicationantianxiety medicinesantidepressant medicinesantipsychotic medicines (uncommon)stimulants (if you are withdrawn)

Talk things over with caring family and friends.Try to keep eating a healthy diet.Stick to a regular sleep routine.Get regular physical activity.Engage in a hobby you enjoy.Find a support group geared toward your situation.Find support from a faith community.Offer encouragement to talk about his or her feelings.Offer support and understanding.Reassure that such reactions are common.

There is no known guaranteed way to prevent adjustment disorder. You may be able to reduce your risk of developing the disorder by doing the following:seek support from family and friendstalk to a healthcare professional if you start to feel stressedtry to have a flexible attitude regarding where your life will leadthink positivelylive a healthy lifestyle (healthy diet and exercise)Having a good support networkSeeking out humor or laughterLiving a healthy lifestyleThinking positively about yourself

Defense MechanismsDefinition: A mental maneuver that one consciously or unconsciously chooses to use to distort or falsify the truth of ones experience in order to protect oneself from feeling painful emotions like shame, guilt, or anxiety.

SUPPRESSIONThe person is aware of the unacceptable desire and validates it but intentionally tries to keep it from expressing itself.For example, I know Im an alcoholic so Im going on the wagon.A homosexual who intentionally doesnt date members of the same sex so that the unacceptable does not express itself.An introvert is conditioned to be an extrovert.He often suppress anger.

RepressionWhat you do:Keep painful thoughts and feelings away from consciousness.Dont think about it!Examples:Early abuseLies you have toldPainful memoriesProblems:Diverts needed energyBlocks out stressful situations that could be worked out

DenialEgo feels anxiety from perception of strong external or internal danger it cant escape or deal with directlyWhat you do:Tell yourself it is not happeningTell yourself it is not your faultConscious denial

DisplacementFeeling:anxietyangerWhat you do:Direct the feeling away from its actual target to another, safer target

PROJECTIONThe person attributes ones own perceived negative attributes onto someone else.For example, Bill blames the instructor for a bad grade when he didnt study.Sara says, You envy me, when Sara really envies the other person.Sam cheats on his spouse and blames the spouse for cheating.

ProjectionWhat you do:Attribute your own undesirable impulses, feeling, or desires to another personExamples:I hate her really means I think she hates meProblems:Misperceive the other persons motivationsDont deal with your own feelingsOverreaction

Reaction-FormationWhat you do:In defense against the threatening impulse, express the opposite impulse.Examples:Someone frightens you so you act super niceSomeone frightens you so you snub themThe sex offender becomes the great protector of society.Problems:False persona

RationalizationWhat you do:Make up excuses for inadequacies, failure, or lossExamples:If I had wanted to try hard, I could have done it too.If my friend were more understanding, I wouldnt have to loose my temper.If I wanted to I could have a body like his/hers.If I had better teachers, I would have gotten higher grades.Problems:Energy would be better spent on improving.The truth catches up with you.

CompensationWhat you do:Develop or strengthen positive traits to make up for limitationsDistract attention from the weaknessesExamples:Weak in school, excellent in sports.Class clownProblems:UnbalancedIncompetent in some areas

RegressionWhat you do:Revert back to behavior of an earlier stageUse childhood coping mechanismsExamples:Temper tantrums, swearing, fighting, sulking, cryingProblems:Does not solve the problemPeople think you are immatureYou are not learning to cope well

FantasyWhat you do:Dreaming, imagining instead of living in the present world, because you dont feel competent to achieve.PretendingExamples:Wanting to look good and pretending to yourself that you are one of the movie stars you read about.Making up stories about how successful you are, rather than working on your success.Problems:You get stuck in the fantasy rather than using your talents to become successful.

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