Final answer:
Adults with a history of moderate adversity exposure are most likely to report a favorable adjustment due to developed resilience and coping strategies. both childhood and adult experiences alongside personal psychological factors, play a role in this process, where moderate stress can be beneficial but high stress can be detrimental.
Step-by-step explanation:
Studies reveal that adults with a history of moderate lifetime adversity exposure report the most favorable adjustment. This finding suggests that exposure to a moderate level of adversities can enhance resilience and coping strategies in individuals, which contribute to better adjustment in various life domains. It is the concept of 'stress inoculation,' where manageable levels of stress may promote the development of coping mechanisms that contribute to psychological health and well-being.Favorable adjustment in adulthood can be influenced by a variety of factors including childhood experiences, life choices, college education, and lifestyle factors that change with age.
Certain psychological factors, like having an internal locus of control, contribute to why individuals who face moderate adversities are healthier, better able to cope, and are less depressed than those with an external locus of control.It is important to note that while a moderate level of adversity can be beneficial, high levels of stress can lead to detrimental effects on mental health and well-being, according to research cited by Brewin et al. (2000). Hence, balance and the ability to overcome stress are key to achieving a favorable adjustment in adulthood.