Module 1: Psychology in Everyday Life - Adjustment in Modern Life

This set of flashcards covers the key concepts of psychological adjustment, including definitions, characteristics of well-adjusted individuals, types, perspectives, and modern challenges as discussed in Module 1.

What is the definition of 'adjustment' provided in the notes?

Adjustment refers to the behavioural process of balancing conflicting needs, or needs challenged by obstacles in the environment.

From which biological term does 'adjustment' originate?

Adaptation.

How does the psychological use of 'adjustment' differ from the biological use of 'adaptation'?

Biologists use 'adaptation' strictly for the physical demands of the environment, while psychologists use 'adjustment' for varying conditions of social or inter-personal relations.

What are the four profile indicators psychologists use to measure a well-adjusted individual?

Behavioral Flexibility, Self-Awareness & Assurance, Emotional Regulation, and Social Effectiveness.

How is 'Normal Adjustment' defined?

When a relationship between an individual and his environment is according to established norms.

When does 'maladjustment' (abnormal adjustment) occur?

When the relationship between an individual and his environment is not according to established standards or norms, such as a delinquent child violating moral codes.

What are the two important perspectives on adjustment mentioned in the transcript?

Adjustment as achievement and Adjustment as process.

What four criteria are used to judge the quality of 'adjustment as achievement'?

Physical health, psychological comfort, work efficiency, and social acceptance.

In Piaget's terminology of 'Adjustment As Process', who is an 'assimilator'?

A person who carries his values and standards of conduct without any change and maintains these in spite of major changes in the social climate.

In Piaget's terminology of 'Adjustment As Process', who is an 'accommodator'?

A person who takes his standards from his social context and changes his beliefs in accordance with the altered values of the society.

What are 'Pull Factors' of adjustment and what examples are provided?

Factors that pull us from making adjustment in life; examples include Aggression, Anger, and Fear.

What are 'Push Factors' of adjustment and what examples are provided?

Factors that push or force us to make adjustments; examples include empathy, sympathy, humor, obedience, and chivalry.

How is 'altruism' defined in the context of help and adjustment?

A helpful act for which nothing is expected in return.

What are 'Adjustment Disorders'?

Maladaptive emotional or behavioral responses to significant life stressors or changes that are disproportionate to the event's severity.

According to the transcript, what are the four categories of causes for adjustment problems?

1. Major Life Triggers, 2. Personal and Psychological Factors, 3. Social and Environmental Vulnerabilities, 4. Biological Factors.

What are the three factors listed as multiplying the demands of modern life adjustment?

Information overload, Always-on culture, and Social comparison.

How did Lysgaard (1955) map the adjustment of international students over time?

As a U-shaped curve consisting of an initial 'honeymoon' phase, a dip into homesickness and culture shock around months $2$-$6$, and a gradual climb back to comfort.

In the Swinburne University study (Pechenkina et al., 2017), what were the outcomes for students using the gamified learning app?

App users scored about $7\%$ higher on average and student retention rose by roughly $12\%$..

What are the four 'elements in adjustment' necessary for the fulfillment of needs?

Satisfaction of needs, no obstacle in achieving needs, strong motives in realizing needs, and feasible geographical atmosphere to fulfil needs.