Adaptation and Well-Being

Abstract

An overview is given of the strategies individuals use to overcome misfortune and to restore their subjective well-being. Using adaptation-theory as a frame of reference, three groups of adaptive mechanisms are described, i.e., shifting intrapsychic criteria, cognitive reconstruction, and future-time perception. The differences and similarities with related theoretical perspectives (for instance, ‘coping’ and ‘control’) are identified. Many other theoretical notions are briefly discussed and given a place in the presented framework. In the concluding section the possible role of moderating factors (e.g., social support) is discussed. Finally, some adaptational views on psychological dysfunctioning are presented.