maladaptive

Maladaptive describes patterns of thinking, feeling, or behaving that are counterproductive to an individual's ability to adapt to changing circumstances. In psychology and related disciplines, maladaptive responses hinder functioning, cause distress, or perpetuate problems, rather than alleviating them. The term is often used in contrast with adaptive responses, which promote effective adjustment and well-being in the face of stress or change.

Maladaptive processes can be cognitive, emotional, or behavioral. They commonly arise from early life experiences, trauma, insecure attachment, or chronic stress, and they may become habitual. Examples include excessive avoidance of situations, denial of problems, rumination, catastrophizing, self-criticism, substance misuse, aggression, or compulsive rituals. These patterns may temporarily reduce discomfort but typically maintain or worsen impairment over time.

In mental health, maladaptive patterns can contribute to the development or maintenance of disorders such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, and personality disorders. They can also impede learning, social functioning, and physical health when they reduce engagement in healthy activities or support networks.

Clinical work aims to identify maladaptive strategies and replace them with adaptive ones through approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and mindfulness-based interventions. Treatment often involves cognitive restructuring, behavioral experiments, problem solving, distress tolerance, and the cultivation of supportive relationships.

Etymology: from mal- meaning bad and adaptive. The term is widely used in psychology and education to describe patterns that impede adjustment, as distinct from truly beneficial changes that improve functioning.