Looking up...
Behavior that is counterproductive or harmful in the long term, often developed as a coping mechanism for stress or trauma
The therapist identified his self-sabotaging job interviews as maladaptive behavior stemming from childhood insecurity.
His poor interview performance was a harmful coping strategy from his past.
Maladaptive behaviors like substance abuse may provide temporary relief but create long-term problems.
These behaviors seem helpful short-term but cause bigger issues later.
Often contrasted with 'adaptive behavior' which helps individuals cope effectively.
This phrase is technical and used in psychology. Avoid using it in everyday conversation.
Maladaptive behaviors provide short-term relief but create long-term problems.
From 'mal-' (bad) + 'adaptive' (adjusting) + 'behavior' (actions). Coined in psychology to describe harmful coping mechanisms.
Common in clinical psychology to describe behaviors that seem helpful short-term but cause long-term harm. Not used in everyday conversation.