ADVERTISEMENTS:
This article will help you to make comparison between adjustive and maladjustive behaviour.
The effectiveness of adjustive behaviour can range from a high degree of effectiveness to total ineffectiveness. In extreme cases, the ineffectiveness may result in further problems of adjustment. In such instances, the individuals are known as being maladjusted.
On the other hand, in instances where the behaviour of the individual, while not contributing to effective adjustment does not, however, result in a disruption of existing conditions, the behaviour is said to be non- adjustive. Imagine the case of a factory worker who has an opportunity to undergo higher training and thereby go to a higher position.
ADVERTISEMENTS:
If the worker in question does not take any initiative to go for the training programme and prefers to remain where he is, this may be an example of non-adjustive behaviour. On the other hand, if the same person tries to avoid going for training, gets frustrated and begins to criticise those who go for the training programme, this is an example of maladjustive behaviour.
In the latter instance, our worker creates problems for himself and for others. In extreme forms he may even resort to alcohol or drugs and other forms of escape from his maladjusted conditions. When the escape measures fail to remove the tension, he .may ultimately become a mental wreck.
Even though we have classified non-adjustive and maladjustive behaviour into separate categories, it can be seen that the difference between them is only a question of degree-and not kind. A series of non-adjustive reactions may ultimately result in maladjustive behaviour.
It may be worthwhile to appreciate some of the similarities and differences between adjustive behaviour and non-adjustive or maladjustive behaviour. In both these types of behaviour the organism is trying to adapt itself to certain internal and external conditions, thus, aiming to maintain a state of equilibrium or harmony. But beyond this, the similarity ends.
ADVERTISEMENTS:
In the case of adjustive behaviour the needs of the organism are satisfied and the environmental demands are also met in a constructive way. The adaptation is successful and contributes to the further growth of the person.
On the other hand, in non-adjustive reactions, the individual avoids the problem and his needs are ignored and not really satisfied. These needs, however, very often continue without the awareness of the person and no learning or growth takes place.
In maladjustive reactions the individual tries to escape or deny the problem and as a result he is in a state of anxiety and tension. Maladjustive behaviour is unrealistic and the problem continues instead of getting solved. The individual, instead of overcoming the problem, spends all his energy and resources in struggling against the demands of his needs as well as external reality.
Gradually, he gets farther and farther away from reality. In extreme forms of maladjustment like paranoia, the individual gets completely estranged from reality and lives in a make-believe world of his own. Such make-believe fantasies are called delusions. The paranoiac erects a strong boundary wall which insulates, isolates and alienates him from reality.
In such cases, one can clearly see the severe consequences of maladjustive behaviour. Such behaviour is not only non-productive but also counterproductive. In extreme cases, maladjustive behaviour becomes rigid and irreversible. The individual finds it impossible to unlearn such behaviour because the habit has become very strong and resists attempts to change.