Which coping style is characterized by unhealthy, short-term fixes such as substance abuse or overeating?

Which coping style is characterized by unhealthy, short-term fixes such as substance abuse or overeating?

• A. Adaptive
• B. Healthy
• C. Constructive
• D. Maladaptive

Answer: (D)

Unhealthy, short-term fixes used to deal with stress are described as maladaptive coping. These strategies may bring temporary relief from distress but they don’t solve the underlying problem and often bring additional issues, such as health problems, strained relationships, or impaired functioning. Substance use and overeating fit this pattern because they numb or distract in the moment yet tend to worsen stress over time and create new consequences. In contrast, adaptive or healthy or constructive coping aims to reduce the stress in a way that helps long-term adjustment, through problem-solving, seeking support, planning, and healthy lifestyle changes. So the described coping style is maladaptive.

Unhealthy, short-term fixes used to deal with stress are described as maladaptive coping. These strategies may bring temporary relief from distress but they don’t solve the underlying problem and often bring additional issues, such as health problems, strained relationships, or impaired functioning. Substance use and overeating fit this pattern because they numb or distract in the moment yet tend to worsen stress over time and create new consequences. In contrast, adaptive or healthy or constructive coping aims to reduce the stress in a way that helps long-term adjustment, through problem-solving, seeking support, planning, and healthy lifestyle changes. So the described coping style is maladaptive.