Personal psychological and behavioral changes to achieve a harmonious relationship with the environment. It is a continuous and changing interaction process between individuals and various environmental factors. It has three basic components:
1, individual. The subject of social adaptation process.
2. the situation. Interaction with individuals not only puts forward natural and social requirements for individuals, but also is the source for individuals to realize their own needs. Interpersonal relationship is an important part in the process of individual social adaptation.
3. change. It is the central link of social adaptation. It includes not only individuals changing themselves to adapt to the environment, but also individuals changing the environment to adapt to their own needs.
When individuals encounter new situations, there are three basic ways to adapt: solving problems and changing the environment to meet their own needs. Accepting the situation includes individuals changing their attitudes and values, accepting and observing the social norms and norms of the new situation, and taking the initiative to conform to the society. Psychological defense means that individuals use psychological defense mechanism to cover up the source of stress and anxiety caused by the contradiction between the requirements of new situations and individual needs.