Maladaptive Coping in AP Psychology

Definition

Maladaptive coping refers to unhealthy or ineffective ways of dealing with stress or difficult situations that ultimately worsen the problem or hinder personal growth.

Related terms

Avoidance coping: Avoidance coping is a maladaptive strategy where individuals try to escape or avoid stressful situations rather than confronting them directly.

Substance abuse: Substance abuse involves using drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with stress or emotional difficulties, which can lead to negative consequences and addiction.

Emotional eating: Emotional eating is an example of maladaptive coping where individuals use food as a way to deal with negative emotions, leading to unhealthy eating patterns and potential weight gain.