Maladaptive Behavior: Definition, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment Maladaptive behavior is any ineffective behavior used to cope with stress, anxiety, or discomfort Avoidance, like skipping social events or procrastinating, is a common maladaptive behavior
Maladaptive Behavior: Traits, and Real-Life Impact To be maladaptive means that a person responds to challenges in ways that are counterproductive to long-term success or well-being Instead of helping them cope with stress or adversity, their behaviors create further complications