Which of the following is NOT a problem that occurs when adaptation fails?

• A. Anxiety and flashbacks to a traumatic event
• B. Exposing self to other stable environments
• C. Purposefully making a drastic change in routine
• D. Inability to cope effectively in the workplace

Answer: (C)

The idea here is understanding how people respond when they can’t adapt to stress or trauma. When adaptation fails, you typically see distressing symptoms and impaired functioning. Anxiety and flashbacks are classic re-experiencing and hyperarousal reactions that show the person isn’t adjusting well to the traumatic experience. Inability to cope effectively in the workplace reflects how failed adaptation can disrupt daily functioning and performance.

Deliberately making a drastic change in routine, on the other hand, can be an intentional strategy to regain control, create predictability, and reduce exposure to stressors. It represents an active effort to adapt rather than a consequence of failed adaptation. So while the other options describe problems that arise from poor adjustment, a drastic change in routine is not a problem born from failed adaptation.