There are four types of adaptation. They differ in the quality and degree of adaptation of a person in society and to himself. In order for life to be full, eventful and satisfying, it is necessary to strive for complete, systemic adaptation.
Domestic psychologist A. A. Rean identified four types of adaptation using two criteria: internal and external.
- If a person is adapted according to an internal criterion, this means that he is in harmony with himself, follows his desires, and realizes his values in behavior.
- If a person is adapted according to an external criterion, this means that his behavior corresponds to the norms of the society in which he lives. He solves social problems, does not break the law and does not run counter to the traditions of society.
A. A. Rean believes that complete (systemic) adaptation is characterized by adaptability in terms of both internal and external criteria. This means that a person benefits society by realizing himself, his potential. Such a person can be called a self-actualizing personality.
If a person lives without consent with himself (goes to an unloved job, is in a painful relationship for him, cannot find a hobby to his liking, etc.) and at the same time does not benefit society (the product of his labor is not in demand or is completely absent), - this means that the personality is completely maladjusted. Any person experiences a temporary state of complete maladjustment during periods of crises in life.
In addition to the two extreme options - systemic adaptation and complete maladjustment - there are two intermediate ones:
- Imaginary adaptation by internal criterion.
- Imaginary adaptation by external criterion.
In the first case, a person lives by his own rules, but at the same time he does not take into account the norms of society. At best, he looks like a black sheep. At worst, it is realized as a criminal. "Love yourself, sneeze at everyone." But success in this case is not to be expected.
The second case is more common. Outwardly, a person seems to be adapted: he has a decent job, he dresses well, he has a family and friends. But at the same time, he feels emptiness in life, meaninglessness. He has no purpose. He pulls the strap, but he cannot express himself, he cannot be realized. The life of such a person is devoid of colors or, on the contrary, is filled with bright spots of events, but they do not really inspire him, but only allow him to kill time and get rid of boredom.
In different periods of life, the adaptation process proceeds in different ways. Each person can be in any of the four described states of adaptation.
However, it is necessary to strive for a state of systemic social adaptation, which means understanding oneself, developing one's potential, but in such a way as to make a significant contribution to the positive development of society.
