Maladaptive coping behavior

Maladaptive coping behaviors are actions or psychological strategies individuals use to manage stress, fear, or difficult emotions, which provide temporary relief but ultimately hinder adaptation, social functioning, emotional health, or physical wellbeing[1][2][3][4][5][6][7]. These include avoidance, denial, withdrawal, substance abuse, aggression, and other habits that increase vulnerability to mental health problems and prevent the development of effective coping skills. They are associated with increased risk for anxiety, depression, and other illnesses, but are not considered molecular or therapeutic targets themselves.

Other names

maladaptive coping mechanismmaladaptive behaviordysfunctional copingmaladaptation