Which coping approach would be considered maladaptive in stress management?

• A. Seeking social support.
• B. Healthy coping strategies like exercise.
• C. Psychological resilience building.
• D. Maladaptive coping such as substance use or withdrawal.

Answer: (D)

Maladaptive coping involves strategies that provide temporary relief but harm overall stress management. Using substances or withdrawing from situations may dull distress in the moment, but it tends to create health problems, dependence, and greater difficulty handling stress later. By contrast, seeking social support, engaging in healthy activities like exercise, and building psychological resilience help reduce arousal, improve mood, and expand resources for future challenges. In this context, the approach described as substance use or withdrawal is the maladaptive one.