The difference between adaptation and adjustment from a multidisciplinary perspective

Abo El Nasr, Medhat Abo El Nasr; Moussa Youssef, Mai

doi:10.21608/aafu.2025.396747.1967

The difference between adaptation and adjustment from a multidisciplinary perspective

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Faculty of Social Work - Helwan University

10.21608/aafu.2025.396747.1967

Abstract

The current research aimed to explore the fundamental difference between the concepts of adaptation and adjustment from a multidisciplinary perspective )biology, Ecology, sociology, psychology, education and social work).
By synthesizing insights from these diverse disciplines, this research sought to provide a comprehensive framework that illustrates the similarities and differences between adaptation and adjustment, focusing on the nature of the processes, the level at which they occur, their timescale, and the desired goals in each context.
Understanding these nuances represents a crucial step toward developing more effective strategies to address the growing challenges facing individuals, groups, communities, and ecosystems in achieving adaptation and adjustment in a rapidly changing world.
At the end of the study, a preliminary version of a social adaptation scale and a psychological adjustment scale were presented, to be used as a guide when developing scales for these two concepts by other researchers. A conclusion was also presented, highlighting the importance of developing more effective strategies for achieving both adaptation and adjustment.

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