Psychology of Adjustment

Practice Q&A flashcards covering definitions, theoretical perspectives, determinants, and types of change in the Psychology of Adjustment lecture notes.

How is Psychology of Adjustment defined?

It is a continuous process through which individuals adapt their thoughts, emotions, and behavior to meet the demands of life while maintaining psychological well-being.

How do Weiten, Dunn, and Hammer describe psychological adjustment?

They state that adjustment requires flexibility and the ability to modify one's responses to achieve a healthy balance between personal needs and environmental demands as people encounter new experiences, responsibilities, and stressors.

How do Moritsugu, Vera, Jacobs, and Kennedy characterize adjustment?

They view adjustment as how individuals understand and adapt to life amidst continuous change, challenges, and opportunities while seeking meaningful balance, well-being, and personal growth.

What is a common misconception about psychological adjustment?

Psychological adjustment is NOT about avoiding stress or eliminating problems; rather, it focuses on developing effective coping strategies to function successfully despite life's difficulties.

What are the seven main determinants of psychological adjustment?

1. Biological factors, 2. Psychological factors, 3. Family Influences, 4. Social Relationships, 5. Cultural Beliefs, 6. Environmental Factors, and 7. Life Experiences.

How do physical and genetic influences differ within biological factors?

Physical influences are bodily conditions (such as sleep, chronic illness, nutrition, hormones, and exercise) affecting mood and coping capability, whereas genetic influences are inherited traits (like temperament or family history of anxiety/depression) that affect stress response and vulnerability.

What three concepts compose the self-perceptions in psychological factors shown in this diagram?

Self-Concept (Identity - Understand), Self-Efficacy (Confidence in ability - Believe), and Self-Esteem (Self-worth - Value).

How are Self-Concept, Self-Efficacy, and Self-Esteem defined under psychological determinants?

Self-Concept refers to understanding one's identity; Self-Efficacy refers to belief and confidence in one's ability; Self-Esteem refers to valuing one's self-worth.

Why is family considered a primary determinant of adjustment?

Because the family is the primary social environment where individuals first learn emotional regulation, communication, and coping behaviors.

What two psychological traditions contribute to healthy adjustment?

1. Interdisciplinary Approach (combining knowledge from fields like psychology, biology, sociology, and medicine) and 2. Psychoeducation (educating individuals about mental health, emotions, stress, and coping skills).

What environmental factors impact individual psychological adjustment?

School or workplace environment, financial stability, community safety, access to healthcare, and availability of mental health services.

How is change defined in the study of adjustment?

Change is the process of becoming different from a previous state or condition, which can occur gradually or suddenly across circumstances, environment, relationships, roles, or experiences.

What are the four main types of change human beings experience?

1. Developmental Change, 2. Situational Change, 3. Internal Change, and 4. External Change.

What is the difference between Developmental Change and Situational Change?

Developmental Change occurs naturally as part of human growth (physical, psychosocial, psychosexual), while Situational Change results from specific life events or circumstances (e.g., moving to a new city, job loss, marriage).

What is the difference between Internal Change and External Change?

Internal Change occurs within the individual (e.g., shifts in beliefs, personal values, and attitudes), while External Change occurs in the surrounding environment (e.g., workplace changes, natural disasters, economic conditions).

According to Erikson, what is the psychosocial crisis, development task, and virtue for infants (up to 18 months)?

Crisis: Trust vs. Mistrust; Development: Basic sense of trust; Virtue: Hope.

According to Erikson, what is the psychosocial crisis and virtue for ages 18 months to 3 years?

Crisis: Autonomy vs. Shame & Doubt (independence by learning to do things on their own); Virtue: Will.

According to Erikson, what is the psychosocial crisis and virtue for children aged 3 to 5 years?

Crisis: Initiative vs. Guilt (exploring, taking initiative, making decisions); Virtue: Purpose.

According to Erikson, what is the psychosocial crisis and virtue for ages 5 to 13 years?

Crisis: Industry vs. Inferiority (confidence by learning new skills and succeeding in school); Virtue: Competency.

According to Erikson, what is the psychosocial crisis and virtue for adolescents aged 13 to 21 years?

Crisis: Identity vs. Confusion (exploring who they are and developing a personal identity); Virtue: Fidelity.

What are Erikson's psychosocial crises for young adults (21–39 years) and middle adults (40–65 years)?

Young Adults (21–39): Intimacy vs. Isolation (Virtue: Love); Middle Adults (40–65): Generativity vs. Stagnation (Virtue: Care).

According to Erikson, what is the psychosocial crisis and virtue for adults aged 65 and older?

Crisis: Integrity vs. Despair (reflecting on life with satisfaction or regret); Virtue: Wisdom.

How do expected changes and unexpected changes differ?

Expected changes are planned, anticipated, easier to prepare for, and less stressful (e.g., graduation, retirement). Unexpected changes occur suddenly without warning, are highly stressful, and require rapid adjustment (e.g., accidents, sudden unemployment).

Why can positive life changes still cause stress?

Because even positive events (such as getting a promotion, winning a lottery, or having a baby) involve new responsibilities and require adjustment.

What is the main distinction between adaptive and maladaptive adjustment?

Adaptive adjustment uses healthy, constructive responses that solve problems, build resilience, and lead to growth; Maladaptive adjustment uses unhealthy or ineffective behaviors (like ignoring or escaping problems) that worsen distress and negative outcomes.