Maladjusted Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Psychology

• Maladjustment can stem from various factors like childhood experiences, which shape how people interact with the world.
• Some researchers link maladjusted behavior to mental health issues, suggesting that it can lead to problems like anxiety and depression.
• It’s often studied in educational settings to understand why some students struggle to fit in or perform well.

Literature

• Many authors create maladjusted characters to explore themes of alienation and societal expectations, such as Holden Caulfield in 'The Catcher in the Rye'.
• The concept is frequently portrayed in coming-of-age stories, reflecting the struggle of individuals trying to find their place.
• In dystopian literature, maladjusted characters often challenge societal norms, leading to critical reflections on the rules of society.

Sociology

• Maladjustment in society can lead to discussions about social norms and what it means to fit in, sparking debates about conformity.
• Some sociologists argue that maladjusted individuals may provide important insights, as they challenge the status quo and highlight flaws in social systems.
• Fringe groups or subcultures often emerge from those deemed maladjusted, creating spaces where they can belong.

Pop Culture

• Films often depict maladjusted protagonists, using their experiences to create relatable stories, such as in 'The Breakfast Club'.
• Musicians and artists might express feelings of maladjustment through their lyrics, tapping into themes of isolation and identity.
• The 'maladjusted' persona has inspired various trends in fashion and lifestyle, where nonconformity becomes a statement.

Education

• Educators create inclusive environments to counteract maladjustment, recognizing the need for diverse learning styles and backgrounds.
• Programs aimed at social skills development often target maladjusted youth, aiming to improve their ability to relate to peers.
• Understanding maladjustment helps schools address bullying and create supportive networks for students struggling to fit in.

The term 'maladjusted' was coined in the early 20th century, combining the prefix 'mal-', meaning 'bad' or 'wrong', with 'adjusted', from the Latin 'adjuxtare', meaning 'to bring to order'. Originally used in psychological contexts to describe individuals who failed to adjust to societal demands or norms, the term has since been applied broadly to various fields, including education and social sciences. It reflects the growing awareness of the importance of mental health and social skills in personal development. In clinical psychology, 'maladjustment' became a focus for understanding behavioral issues arising from an inability to adapt successfully to one's environment, leading to further research into effective intervention strategies. Therefore, 'maladjusted' signifies not just a failure in adjustment but also highlights the necessity for support and understanding in one's social integration.

At rank #28,462, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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• 28459 lingo
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• 28461 pertinence
• 28462 maladjusted
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• 28464 caulking
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