Maladaptive coping

Maladaptive coping refers to unhealthy strategies people use to deal with stress, anxiety, or difficult emotions. Instead of effectively managing their problems, these behaviors often make things worse. Examples include excessive drinking, binge eating, avoidance, or aggression. While these actions might provide temporary relief, they ultimately hinder personal growth and can lead to a cycle of negative consequences, such as worsened mental health or strained relationships. Recognizing maladaptive coping is an important step toward adopting healthier, more effective ways to handle life's challenges.