Maladjustment Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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maladjustment
[หmรฆl.ษหdสสst.mษnt ]
Definition
psychology
Maladjustment refers to the inability to adapt or cope with the demands of a social or personal situation. It is often characterized by feelings of distress, anxiety, or dissatisfaction.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| maladjustment |
This term is often used in psychological or educational contexts to describe a person's inability to adapt to the demands of their environment or society, often leading to behavioral issues.
|
| disadjustment |
This word is less commonly used and might refer to a general state of being unadjusted or out of sync with something. It is rarely found in everyday language but can be used in specific technical or theoretical contexts.
|
| maladaptation |
Maladaptation describes an evolutionary or behavioral response that is less than optimal or detrimental to an organism's ability to survive or thrive in its environment. It is often used in ecological, biological, or developmental studies.
|
Examples of usage
- His maladjustment to the new school environment was evident in his withdrawn behavior.
- The therapist helped her work through her maladjustment to the recent changes in her life.
- Maladjustment can lead to difficulties in relationships and work performance.
- Children with maladjustment may benefit from counseling or therapy.
- Addressing maladjustment early on can prevent further psychological issues.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Maladjustment can manifest as anxiety or depression when a person feels out of place.
- It is often studied in relation to childhood and adolescence, where social dynamics are crucial.
- Social maladjustment may lead to behavior problems, as individuals struggle to conform to social norms.
Education
- In educational settings, maladjustment may reflect in poor academic performance when students struggle to engage.
- Teachers are trained to identify signs of maladjustment in students to provide appropriate support.
- Interventions often include counseling and adjustments to the learning environment.
Pop Culture
- Films and books often explore themes of maladjustment, showcasing characters who feel alienated.
- Literature frequently depicts protagonists dealing with the consequences of not fitting into societal expectations.
- Music genres, such as punk and alternative, often express feelings of maladjustment in their lyrics and themes.
Social Dynamics
- Maladjustment is often discussed in the context of migration, as newcomers may struggle to integrate into a new culture.
- It can also relate to workplace environments where individuals feel isolated or unsupported.
- Understanding maladjustment may help foster empathy and initiatives for inclusion in communities.
Origin of 'maladjustment'
Main points about word origin
- The prefix 'mal-' comes from Latin, meaning 'bad' or 'wrong'.
- The word 'adjustment' originates from the Latin 'adjustare', meaning to 'bring to order'.
- 'Maladjustment' combines both to describe a poor fit or adaptation.
The term 'maladjustment' originated in the field of psychology in the early 20th century. It was used to describe individuals who struggled to adapt to their environment or circumstances. The concept of maladjustment has since been widely studied in psychology and sociology, highlighting the importance of understanding and addressing factors that contribute to difficulties in adaptation.
See also: adjust, adjustability, adjustable, adjustably, adjusted, adjuster, adjusting, adjustment, adjustments, disadjustment, misadjustment, readjust, unadjusted.