Examination of the determinants affecting over-adaptation

Abstract

This study examined the variables used for classifying over-adaptive cognitions and behaviors. Research has indicated that higher alexithymia is associated with higher perceived stress and fear of negative evaluation (FNE), resulting in over-adaptation. However, variables contributing to the differential classification of over-adaptation and other groups have not been thoroughly investigated. We examined FNE, interpersonal stress, task stress, and subfactors of alexithymia, including difficulties in identifying own feelings and describing feelings, as determinants of over-adaptation. We also examined the role of determinants in classifying over-adaptation and other groups using the random forest approach. The results showed that FNE contributed the most to classifying over-adaptation by best predicting the over-adaptation group’s pattern. Therefore, we suggest that methods of reducing FNE might prevent over-adaptation.