Pius Nsabe
Have You Heard of Maladjustment?
It is 4:00 pm in Mushin, Lagos, and the streets are alive—not with the sounds of children returning from school or workers wrapping up their day—but with the laughter and chaos of teenagers loitering aimlessly. Some are playing loud music on motorbikes, others are gathered around kiosks drinking local spirits, and a few are engaged in petty theft or street fights. These are young people who should be in school, in apprenticeship, or at work contributing to society. Instead, they drift from one street corner to another, a visible sign of frustration, neglect, and the early stages of maladjustment.
When most people hear the word maladjustment, they either misunderstand it or have never heard it at all. Simply put, maladjustment occurs when a young person struggles to cope with the demands of daily life—at home, at school, or in the wider community. It is not always dramatic; often, it begins quietly as persistent stress, withdrawal, irritability, or unusual behaviour. Over time, if unaddressed, these patterns can escalate into serious emotional, social, or behavioural problems.
From a public health perspective, maladjustment is far more than an individual concern. It affects families, schools, and communities. A child who cannot adjust may underperform in school, develop poor social relationships, or engage in risky behaviours. Over time, maladjustment contributes to higher rates of depression, anxiety, substance use, antisocial behaviour, and even involvement with crime. These issues place a burden not only on families but also on health systems, law enforcement, and social services. In other words, the emotional and behavioural struggles of a single young person ripple outward, affecting societal wellbeing.
I have witnessed maladjustment firsthand in my community. Take Tunde, a bright and lively child whose spark faded over time. He became withdrawn, irritable, and anxious. Teachers labelled him “difficult,” while adults at home dismissed his struggles as immaturity. No one noticed that Tunde’s behaviour was a response to repeated criticism, neglect, and emotional stress. This kind of maladjustment is preventable, but without early intervention, the child’s coping mechanisms become maladaptive, turning normal stress into chronic emotional difficulty.
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Another example is Ada, who experienced maladjustment not through harsh treatment but through inaction. Her parents were physically present but emotionally unavailable. She became socially isolated, lost interest in school and hobbies, and withdrew from peers. In communities where emotional neglect is common, maladjustment often goes unnoticed until it manifests as severe behavioural or mental health issues.
Maladjustment is a concern for public health because it is a predictor of long-term mental, social, and physical health outcomes. Young people who cannot cope with stress are more likely to develop anxiety disorders, depression, aggression, or substance use problems. Poorly adjusted youths may engage in risky sexual behaviour, vandalism, or petty crime. For communities, this translates to increased healthcare costs, lower school performance, and higher rates of social instability.
The causes of maladjustment are multifaceted. The family environment plays a central role. Children exposed to constant criticism, unrealistic expectations, neglect, or family conflict are at higher risk. Schools, too, contribute—overemphasis on academic performance while ignoring emotional wellbeing, bullying, and lack of support services increase vulnerability. Broader social conditions, such as poverty, social exclusion, or unsafe neighbourhoods, amplify stress, making adjustment even harder.
Importantly, maladjustment is preventable. Public health approaches emphasize early recognition and supportive interventions. Families can create nurturing environments where emotions are validated, mistakes are treated as learning opportunities, and communication is open. Schools can integrate mental health awareness into the curriculum, train teachers to recognise early warning signs, and establish counselling services. Communities can provide mentorship programmes, youth clubs, and safe spaces for adolescents to interact and express themselves.
As WHO and UNICEF emphasize, early recognition is vital. WHO notes: “Every country, regardless of its circumstances, can do something to significantly improve the mental health of its children, young people, and their families.” This reinforces the point that interventions are possible even in resource-limited settings. WHO further stresses the importance of schools as supportive environments: “A health‑promoting school … strives to provide a healthy environment, school health services … and programmes for counselling, social support and mental health promotion.” UNICEF adds that mental health promotion must extend beyond clinics into families, communities, and every emergency response: “UNICEF integrates mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) into every emergency response … this whole‑of‑society approach reflects the importance of strengthening family and community support networks.”
Lived experiences demonstrate the power of early intervention. Tunde’s behaviour could have improved with consistent adult support—listening, encouragement, and recognition of effort rather than only outcomes. Ada could have benefited from structured mentorship and safe spaces to express feelings. These interventions are not luxuries; they are public health strategies. Healthy adjustment in youth is linked to lower rates of anxiety and depression, better academic achievement, and stronger social cohesion.
Public health initiatives aimed at curbing maladjustment include family-focused education, community-based mental health programmes, school counselling, and social policies that reduce stressors such as poverty or unsafe environments. By addressing the root causes of maladjustment, society invests in the long-term wellbeing of its youth, reducing future demands on healthcare, law enforcement, and social services.
To a layperson, maladjustment may seem like mere misbehaviour or moodiness. In reality, it is a warning signal—a young person telling the world they are struggling to cope. When society fails to notice or respond, that signal can escalate into crises with personal, social, and economic consequences. Conversely, when families, schools, and communities respond with understanding, guidance, and support, maladjustment can be corrected, and young people can thrive.
Maladjustment is not inevitable. It is a public health issue because the wellbeing of young people directly affects the wellbeing of society. Attention, empathy, and timely intervention are the tools of prevention. Just as communities vaccinate children against disease, they must also equip young people with emotional support, coping skills, and safe environments. Doing so strengthens not only individuals but the entire social fabric.
In conclusion, maladjustment among young people is more than a private struggle; it is a public health concern. Recognising its signs, understanding its causes, and implementing early interventions—guided by WHO and UNICEF recommendations—can reduce long-term mental health burdens, improve educational outcomes, and promote societal wellbeing. For parents, educators, and policymakers, the lesson is clear: invest in emotional and social support for young people now, and society will reap the benefits in healthier, more resilient generations.
Pius Nsabe is a journalist, Managing Editor of The Journal Nigeria, and public health enthusiast. Drawing on his ongoing engagement in public health, he curates The Nsabe Public Health Weekly, where storytelling meets evidence-based health insight.