omanpassning

Omanpassning is a Swedish term that describes a state or process in which an individual, group, organization, or system fails to adjust adequately to changing conditions. The word combines the prefix o- meaning "not" with anpassning, adaptation, signaling a lack of appropriate adjustment. In Swedish scholarship and discourse it is often used as a general counterpart to Anpassning, with emphasis on difficulties or failure to adapt. In biology and ecology the closely related idea of maladaptation can be translated as omanpassning, especially when an altered trait or behavior reduces fitness in a new environment.

In psychology, sociology and organizational studies, omanpassning refers to difficulties in adjusting to new environments, demands, roles, or social norms, which can manifest as persistent stress, impaired functioning, or maladaptive behaviours. In biology, the term is linked to maladaptation, where a trait or response decreases an organism’s survival or reproduction in a changing environment. The concept highlights the gap between changing conditions and an agent’s capacity to respond effectively.

Causes of omanpassning include insufficient resources or skills, cognitive biases, stigma or discrimination, rapid technological or societal change, trauma, and structural barriers. Risk factors are high stress, low social support, and inadequate training or planning. Consequences can be chronic stress, mental or physical health problems, reduced performance, social withdrawal, or conflict.

Mitigation focuses on improving access to resources, education and training, gradual exposure to new demands, supportive leadership, resilience-building, and policies that reduce barriers to adaptation. Examples include immigrants facing language and cultural differences, organizations struggling to adopt new technologies, and students adjusting to online learning.

---