How adaptation is different from adjustment?

Adaptation:

• Adaptation is a biological term.

• It is structural or functional change that enhances the organism's survival value.

• Biological adaptation is property of phenotypic features or organisms relative to selection demands of the environment.

Adjustment:

• A well-adjusted person is someone who engages in behaviour that are appropriate for the culture and a given inter-personal situation.

• Adjustment is a condition of harmonious relationships between the social and physical environments.

• The concept of adjustment refers to active and creative efforts to live effectively and satisfactorily.

• Adjustment is the psychological process by which an individual manages or copes with various demands.

• An adjustment is the outcome of individual's effort of coping.

• We are considered well-adjusted when we deal successfully with our situations such as in home, schools and work places without much problem.

• Adjustment is the outcome of coping.

• Adjustment is a process which has four parts—

(i) a need or motive in the form of a strong persistent stimulus,

(ii) the thwarting or non-fulfillment of the need,

(iii) varied activity, or exploratory behaviour accompanied by problem-solving, and

(iv) some response that removes or at least reduces the initiating stimulus that brings satisfaction and completes the process of adjustment.

• Adjustment is a subjective process. It various from culture to culture and is a continuous process.