Understanding Social Hardship and Maladjustment: A Psychological Perspective
Situations of Social Hardship
First, it is necessary to clarify the concept of maladjustment. Maladjustment is defined as the transgression of rules and social norms in the society or social group to which the individual belongs.
However, it’s important to note that in some cases, maladjustment can be an arbitrary concept, depending on the societal context and time period. What was once considered deviant behavior may later become part of a social claim or a right.
To analyze any situation of inadequacy, we must consider the psychosocial aspects of the person and the environment in which they live and grow.
Motivation and Maladjustment
According to J. Valverde, individuals who develop in socially disadvantaged environments may develop maladaptive behavior with respect to laws and standards. This is primarily due to a significant gap between their desired goals and the means available in their environment to achieve them. This perceived distance can lead to feelings of alienation and the internalization of the “misfit” label.
To better understand maladaptive behavior, the following aspects should be considered:
- The relationship between the individual and their non-adapted environment.
- The permanent or long-term duration of these inappropriate relationships.
- The psychological effects resulting from the individual’s subjective and objective perception of themselves.
This process can be likened to a snowball effect, leading to an inability to play a valuable role in society. This can also result in:
- A lack of active and constructive participation as a social subject.
- Difficulty integrating into society.
- Association with groups whose goals deviate from constructive and socially accepted behavior patterns.
The Coercion Model: Paterson
G.R. Paterson developed a model that attempts to explain how coercion contributes to antisocial behavior.
1. In the Family
Inadequate educational practices can lead a child to perceive that negative behaviors (crying, breaking things, etc.) are beneficial, allowing them to escape unfavorable situations or receive positive reinforcement. This teaches the child to manipulate their family.
2. In School
If the foundational patterns of socialization haven’t been properly internalized within the family, the child may lack the necessary interaction skills for new situations, potentially leading to rejection by their peers.
3. With Deviant Peers
In this stage, the child learns and reinforces antisocial skills through association with deviant peers. Feeling excluded by their peers and experiencing academic failure, they seek connection with like-minded individuals.
4. Adulthood
In the final stage, the individual may face difficulties in acquiring various skills and securing stable employment.
Influences, Marginality, and Crime
- The environment
- Criminal gangs
- Crimes committed under the influence of alcohol and drugs
Motivation and Behavior
Motivation is the cause or reason that drives a person to act in a certain way. It should not be confused with instinctive behavior, which requires no motivation.
All human behavior is driven by motivation to some degree. The reasons behind human actions are typically aimed at achieving a specific goal.
Motivations can stem from learned needs.
According to Bandura, behavior is regulated by its consequences (rewards or punishments). He also emphasizes the influence of behavioral consequences on future actions.
When individuals are faced with unrealistic goals and repeatedly fail in their attempts, they may eventually give up.
For a person to be effectively mobilized, there needs to be a balance between discomfort and the hope for improvement.
Theories of Motivation: Maslow’s Pyramid
Necessity is the source of motivation. When a need arises, the individual is motivated to fulfill it.
- Basic Needs: Physiological needs such as hunger and thirst. Once these needs are met, the following needs emerge.
- Safety Needs: The need to feel safe in dangerous situations.
- Need for Affiliation: Love, affection, friendships, and relationships with others.
- Need for Esteem: The need for respect, both for oneself and from others.
- Need for Self-Actualization: The need for self-fulfillment and reaching one’s full potential, leading to personal satisfaction.
These needs are arranged in a hierarchical order of importance. People generally strive to satisfy the most pressing needs for survival first.
Only after fulfilling their basic needs can individuals focus on higher-level needs. While this order generally holds true for most people, it can vary based on individual priorities.