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.