Identification of Factors Influencing the Social Adjustment of Secondary School Students



Abstract

Background and Objective: Social adjustment is an important component of adolescents’ psychosocial development and plays a key role in the quality of social relationships, academic performance, and mental health. Considering the significance of this construct during adolescence, the present study aimed to identify the factors affecting social adjustment among secondary school students.

Methods: This study was applied in terms of purpose and qualitative in nature, conducted using a thematic analysis approach. The research population consisted of faculty members in the fields of educational sciences and psychology at universities. Participants were selected through purposive sampling based on specific inclusion criteria. Data were collected through semi structured interviews, and sampling continued until theoretical saturation was reached. In total, interviews were conducted with 10 experts. After full transcription, the data were analyzed using thematic analysis through the stages of open, axial, and selective coding.

Findings: The results of data analysis indicated that students’ social adjustment is influenced by a set of multidimensional factors that can be categorized into five main themes: individual factors, family factors, school factors, peer factors, and socio cultural factors. Individual factors included personality traits, individual and social skills, and mental health. Family factors encompassed parenting style, family emotional climate, family resources, and interaction patterns within the family. School-related factors included school climate, leadership and management style, extracurricular activities, and the quality of teaching and learning processes. In addition, peer relationship quality as well as media influence and social norms were identified as important socio cultural factors affecting students’ social adjustment.

Conclusion: The findings indicate that students’ social adjustment is a multidimensional phenomenon shaped by the interaction of individual and environmental factors. Therefore, improving social adjustment requires a comprehensive approach that simultaneously focuses on strengthening students’ personal skills, improving family relationships, enhancing the interactive climate of schools, and providing appropriate social contexts for positive student interactions.

Keywords: Social Adjustment, Family Environment, School Environment, Peer Relationships.