weggedrag

Weggedrag is a Dutch term used to describe avoidance or withdrawal behavior. It refers to actions intended to reduce engagement in a situation because of perceived threat, discomfort, or anxiety. The behavior can include leaving, disengaging, delaying participation, or not responding.

Etymology: weg means away, gedrag means behavior. In academic psychology, the term is less common than vermijdingsgedrag (avoidance behavior) or ontwijkingsgedrag, but it is understood as describing similar patterns of avoiding engagement.

Contexts: It appears in everyday language as well as discussions of psychology, education, and workplace behavior. In education, weggedrag may manifest as not answering questions, skipping classes, or failing to complete tasks. In the workplace, it can show as avoiding meetings, communicating minimally, or withdrawing from collaborative work. In clinical settings, persistent weggedrag can be related to anxiety disorders, depression, trauma, or stress and may function as a coping strategy to limit exposure to distress.

Causes and characteristics: Weggedrag is typically driven by anxiety, fear of failure, social discomfort, or conflict avoidance. It can be reinforced if avoidance reduces immediate distress but hinders long-term outcomes. Interventions often focus on reducing distress tolerance thresholds, gradual exposure, and strategies to promote engagement and problem-solving.

Animal behavior note: In ethology, similar responses are described as flight or escape behaviors, where an animal withdraws from a threat.

See also: Vermijdingsgedrag, Ontwijkingsgedrag, Flight response, Social withdrawal.