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

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

• A. Adaptive
• B. Maladaptive
• C. Problem-focused
• D. Emotion-focused

Answer: (B)

Coping styles are about how people handle stress, and the one described here involves turning to unhealthy, short-term fixes that don’t solve the underlying issue. Substance use and overeating provide only temporary relief, but they can lead to additional problems—health issues, guilt, or dependence—and they don’t address what’s causing the stress. This is the hallmark of maladaptive coping. In contrast, adaptive coping uses healthy, constructive strategies; problem-focused coping aims to resolve the stressor itself; and emotion-focused coping deals with reducing emotional distress in a way that doesn’t cause harm. So the described behaviors fit maladaptive coping because they’re counterproductive and harmful in the long run.

Coping styles are about how people handle stress, and the one described here involves turning to unhealthy, short-term fixes that don’t solve the underlying issue. Substance use and overeating provide only temporary relief, but they can lead to additional problems—health issues, guilt, or dependence—and they don’t address what’s causing the stress. This is the hallmark of maladaptive coping. In contrast, adaptive coping uses healthy, constructive strategies; problem-focused coping aims to resolve the stressor itself; and emotion-focused coping deals with reducing emotional distress in a way that doesn’t cause harm. So the described behaviors fit maladaptive coping because they’re counterproductive and harmful in the long run.