There are four types of adaptation. They differ in the quality and degree of adaptation of a person in society and to himself. For life to be complete, 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 complies with the norms of the society in which he lives. He solves social problems, does not violate the law and does not go against the traditions of society.
A.A. Rean believes that complete (systemic) adaptation is characterized by adaptability both in terms of internal and external criteria. This means that a person benefits society, 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 painful relationships for him, cannot find a hobby, etc.) and at the same time does not benefit society (the product of his work is not in demand or is completely absent), - this means that the personality is completely maladaptive. A temporary state of complete maladaptation is experienced by any person during periods of crisis in life.
In addition to the two extreme options - systemic adaptation and complete maladaptation - there are two intermediate:
- Imaginary adaptation by an internal criterion.
- Imaginary adaptation by an 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 all." That's just success in this case, one does not have to wait.
The second case is more common. Outwardly, a person seems adapted: he has a decent job, he dresses well, he has family, friends. But at the same time he feels emptiness, meaninglessness in life. He has no purpose. He pulls the strap, but cannot express himself, cannot be realized. The life of such a person is devoid of colors or, conversely, is filled with bright spots of events, but they do not really inspire him, but only allow you to kill time and get rid of boredom.
At different periods of life, the adaptation process proceeds differently. Each person can be in any of the four described adaptation states.
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.