Psychology of Adjustment

Refers to the behavioral process of balancing conflicting needs, or needs challenged by obstacles in the environment. 

Adjustment disorder occurs when there is an inability to make a normal adjustment to some need or stress in the environment.

Successful adjustment is crucial to having a high quality of life. Those who are unable to adjust well are more likely to have clinical anxiety or depression, as well as experience feelings of hopelessness, anhedonia, difficulty concentrating, sleeping problems and reckless behavior.