Adjustment Mechanism Theory of Psychology

day-dreaming, regression and repression 214-234. Theory of adjustment mechanism is beneficial to identify how the main characters adjust themselves from suffering because of the absence of love. Compensation is usually defined as the exaggeration of a desirable trait to reduce a feeling of inferiority caused by undesirable trait. Some psychologists have used the term to describe the extra effort put forth by an individual to achieve a long line where he is most defective. Another form of compensatory behavior is seen in the domineering person whose belligerence is merely a device for covering up an attitude of inferiority. Substitution is adjustment mechanism in which frequently an individual who has become convinced of his inferiority in one kind of activity will give up trying to succeed along that line and concentrate on another activity. If such a substitution is made on a trial-and-error basis, the individual may find that he has merely changed his emphasis from one weakness to another. Identification is a mechanism of adjustment by which the individual establishes a strong emotional with another person, a group of persons, or an institution, and then achieves his satisfactions at least in part, by proxy, basking in reflected glory. The next adjustment mechanism is egocentric. The individual who is egocentric dwells on himself and interprets every situation from a personal angle. Although a certain amount of egocentricity is necessary for survival, if carried to extremes it can lead to serious behavior disorders, notably hysteria and paranoia. It is not necessary to think of egocentrism as being caused, solely by arrested sexual development. It can be learned as other behavior patterns are learned. Rationalization involves the process of devising socially acceptable reasons for an act or an opinion which is socially unacceptable and so deemed blameworthy by the individual. After much practice in rationalizing, the individual may succeed in misleading himself as well as others concerning the true causes of his behavior. Negativism is another adjustment mechanism. A negativistic person is one who strongly resists suggestions from others. Sometimes his behavior is carried to the point of refusal to do what he would really like to do. Negativism is an aggressive withdrawal. It may be used, as was pointed out earlier, to gain attention, or it may be resorted to as means of achieving respect and of maintaining self-respect. Daydreaming is a satisfying imaginative fulfillment of desires. It is an escape from the difficulties of real life into a realm where all obstacles to success can be ignored or effectively surmounted. It provides relief from frustration and conflict. Regression is a form of adjustment involving a retreat from the complexities of the present to an earlier and simpler form of behavior. The individual who utilizes this mechanism is convinced that he is incapable of overcoming the difficulties in his immediate situation. The person who resorts to the mechanism of regression is introverted, non-suggestible, and lacking in self- confidence. Repression is an adjustment mechanism by which thoughts and experiences that are in conflict with the individual’s standards or frame of reference are forced into the unconscious. If a person who is repressed concentrating as he does upon desires and feelings which he considers to be unworthy, he becomes increasingly fearful of expressing himself freely.

e. Symptoms of Non-Normal Behavior

Many deeply disturbed people behave normally most of the time, and almost all normal people show some mannerism, ideas, or behavior that might be considered non-normal. Below, Kalish states the symptoms of emotional disturbance are often found in normal people but may occur in exaggerated form in deeply disturbed individuals 170-171. The theory of symptoms of non-normal behavior is beneficial to identify the effects of the absence of love in the main characters’ behavior which is included in the symptoms of non-normal behavior. Table 2.1 Symptoms of Non-Normal Behavior Depression Feeling that everything is going wrong, that nothing matters. Inappropriate worry and fear Constantly worrying or being afraid of one thing or another, far out of proportion to the actual cause suffering chronic anxiety. Suspicion Being unable to trust others; feeling that others are deceitful. Inadequate emotional control Crying, being frightened, and getting angry far out of proportion of actual stimuli. Depersonalization Feeling unreal, not belonging to one’s body, not really a person. Overly strict emotional control Not showing emotions, even when appropriate circumstances occur. Fantasy Any dreaming so much that little gets done. Rigidity Having difficulty in behaving or thinking in new ways, having a tendency to follow rituals in behavior. Organic symptoms Suffering from fatigue, illnesses, and ailments that occur without medical basis. Hostility Being unduly ready to fight, argue, or verbally attack others Ineffectiveness Being unable to make decisions: disliking responsibility for one’s own behavior; behaving in an immature fashion. Unhappiness and tension Seeing the world as difficult, tense place. Inadequate interpersonal relations Having contacts with other people marked by hostility, arguments, tension, suspicion, overdependence, and other signs of inadequacy.

B. Theoretical Framework

In this study, the writer employs the theory of character and characterization to analyze the character traits of the main characters. The writer finds that the nine ways of characterization are appropriate to reveal the characteristics of Emily, Olenka, and Mabel as the main characters. The aim of using the theory of characterization is to reveal the characteristics of Emily, Olenka, and Mabel. The writer applies the nine ways of characterization, to find out the feeling, thoughts, actions, and motivations of Emily, Olenka, and Mabel. The characteristics of the main characters which are good or bad could be shown by their psychological condition and physical movement. In answering the second question, the writer applies theory of hierarchy of human needs by Maslow, theory of deprivation of love by Hurlock, and theory of death and loss by Kalish, to find out the effects of the absence of love on main characters’ behavior. Theory of hierarchy of human needs helps the writer to