PSYCHOLOGICAL ADJUSTMENT AS AN INDICATOR OF MENTAL HEALTH: A REVIEW

Matos-Ramírez P.; Sánchez-Carlessi H.H.; Romero C.A.R. · Revista de la Facultad de Medicina Humana (2024) · DOI: 10.25176/rfmh.v24i4.6973

Resumen

Psychological adjustment, as the adaptation between internal needs and external demands, is a key indicator of mental health. It is conceptualized as the balance, interaction, or dynamic and dialectical adaptation between the individual and their environment, encompassing intrapsychic (biopsychological) and interpsychic (psychosocial) dimensions, governed by the laws of learning. This balance is reflected in psychosocial behavior. The aim of this study was to explore its intrapersonal and interpersonal dimensions, its relationship with variables such as anxiety, depression, psychological well-being, and personality, and to propose a framework for its assessment in clinical, educational, and social contexts. A literature review was conducted using databases such as APA PsycNet, Scopus, SciELO, and Google Scholar, focusing on empirical and theoretical studies on psychological adjustment at different life stages. The results show that psychological adjustment is widely studied in adolescence and adulthood, highlighting its relationship with socioemotional competencies, parenting styles, and social support. In adolescents, variables such as self-esteem, emotional regulation, and optimism are important predictors of adjustment. In adults, factors such as optimism-pessimism, family support, and mood influence psychological adjustment, affecting life satisfaction and emotional health. In conclusion, psychological adjustment refers to a profile of indicators associated with an individual’s mental health. It is essential for mental health as it enables individuals to maintain a balance with their environment, promoting personal and social well-being. Its assessment is crucial for designing interventions aimed at improving the quality of life in diverse populations.

Instituciones: Universidad Ricardo Palma