maladaptive response

/ˌmæləˈdæptɪv rɪˈspɒns/

an unhealthy or ineffective reaction to stress

After the breakup, his maladaptive response was to isolate himself from friends.

Instead of coping healthily, he withdrew from social support.

technical

an unhelpful or harmful reaction to stress or adversity that worsens well-being

Chronic anxiety can lead to maladaptive responses like substance abuse.

People may turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms when overwhelmed.

Therapy helps replace maladaptive responses with adaptive strategies.

Professional guidance can teach healthier ways to handle stress.

Common in clinical psychology to describe counterproductive coping mechanisms.

maladaptive copingunhealthy ways of dealing with stressmaladaptive behaviorharmful actions in response to challenges

a healthy, constructive reaction to stress

This term is specific to psychology and mental health discussions.

Do not use for minor or neutral reactions; it implies harm.

From 'mal-' (bad) + 'adaptive' (adjusting) + 'response' (reaction). Coined in psychology to describe ineffective stress responses.

Used in psychology to describe responses that exacerbate problems rather than solve them.

mal-

bad

prefix

adaptive

adjusting

root

response

reaction

root

English Dictionary