Adaptive vs Maladaptive Behavior

 
The main difference between adaptive and maladaptive behavior is their behavioral
patterns. In psychology, we speak of two forms of behavior. They are adaptive and
maladaptive behavior. These are opposite to one another. Adaptive behavior is behavior
that is positive and functional to the individual. It allows the individual to relieve  anxiety.
However, a maladaptive behavior is quite different from adaptive behavior. This usually
entails behavioral patterns that are dysfunctional to the individual. This is the key difference
between these two forms of behavior. Through this article let us examine the differences
between the two types of behavior.

What is Adaptive behavior?

Adaptive behavior allows individuals to adapt in a positive manner to various
situations. It is a functional adjustment to a particular behavior. Adaptive behavior creates
a condition where the individual can truly develop and grow. In our day to day life, if a
particular behavior is constructive and productive it can be considered as adaptive behavior.

For example, when an individual faces a problem in life, he uses various techniques to find
solutions by coming to terms with the condition. This is a form of adaptive behavior. Unlike
in the case of maladaptive behavior, the individual does not run away from the situation, or
avoid it, but faces the situation. This is usually considered as healthy behavior.

What is Maladaptive behavior?

Maladaptive behavior can be viewed as the direct opposite of adaptive behavior. It is
a negative form of behavior which harms the individual. In abnormal psychology, this
term is used extensively to refer to conditions which detriment the well-being of an
individual. When the anxiety that an individual feel is not lessened through individual
behavior and is only dysfunctional to the individual, these types of behaviors are considered
maladaptive. In this sense, maladaptive behavior is coping mechanisms that are not
productive. Instead of relieving the anxiety and tension that the individual feels, it leads to
the creation of further health problems. For example, substance abuse is a maladaptive
behavior that harms the individual even though it provides a momentary relief. In the long
run, this is dysfunctional to the individual as it can lead to severe health conditions.

Maladaptive behavior does not lead to personal growth and development of the individual
but causes the downfall of a human being. On one level, it hinders the development of the
individual where he or she feels unable to find a solution to the anxiety experienced. This
inability to accept one’s condition leads to disruptions in person life as well as professional
life. Such an individual may encounter difficulties not only in day to day chores but also in
handling relationships.
What is the difference between Adaptive and
Maladaptive Behavior?
• Definitions of Adaptive and Maladaptive Behavior:
• Adaptive behavior allows individuals to adapt in a positive manner to various situations.

• Maladaptive behavior can be viewed as a negative form of behavior which harms the
individual.

• Behavioral Patterns:
• Adaptive behavior is positive and functional to the individual.

• Maladaptive behavior is negative and dysfunctional.

• Relieving Anxiety:
• Adaptive behavior relieves the anxiety in a productive manner.

• Maladaptive behavior does not. It forces the individual to avoid the situation or else
engage in counter-productive behavior.

• Impact:
• Adaptive behavior enables personal growth.

• Maladaptive behavior hinders personal growth.

• Condition:
• Adaptive behavior can be viewed in healthy individuals.

• Maladaptive behavior is a symptom of psychological diseases.

According to experts, the definition of stress is the body's innate response to a
physical, mental or emotional stressors that can either be real or imagined. The
stressor can be a stressful event that can either be depressing or wonderful. Stress
is powerful because it can affect one’s overall health. Its effects can either be
negative or positive depending on the types of stress one experience. In simple
terms, the definition of stress is, the body’s natural defense or survival mechanism
to protect itself. It is also called the “flight-or-fight response”. Its medical term is
neuroendocrine response. When one is stressed most of the time, inflammation can
set in inside the body. Chronic inflammation can feed immature or damaged cells
in the body. Instead of dying, these cells can turn malignant.

Types of Stressors (Eustress vs. Distress)

Eustress vs. Distress

We mentioned it earlier and it bears repeating: stress is not always a bad thing.
Stress is simply the body's response to changes that create taxing demands. The
previously mentioned Dr. Lazarus (building on Dr. Selye's work) suggested that
there is a difference between eustress, which is a term for positive stress, and
distress, which refers to negative stress.

Eustress

Eustress, or positive stress, has the following characteristics:

• Motivates, focuses energy.

• Is short-term.

• Is perceived as within our coping abilities.

• Feels exciting.

• Improves performance
Distress

In contrast, Distress, or negative stress, has the following characteristics:

• Causes anxiety or concern.

• Can be short- or long-term.

• Is perceived as outside of our coping abilities.

• Feels unpleasant.

• Decreases performance.

• Can lead to mental and physical problems.

Examples of Eustress and Distress

It is somewhat hard to categorize stressors into objective lists of those that cause
eustress and those that cause distress, because different people will have different
reactions to particular situations. However, by generalizing, we can compile a list
of stressors that are typically experienced as negative or positive to most people,
most of the time.

Examples of negative personal stressors include:

• The death of a spouse.

• Filing for divorce.

• Losing contact with loved ones.

• The death of a family member.

• Hospitalization (oneself or a family member).

• Injury or illness (oneself or a family member).

• Being abused or neglected.

• Separation from a spouse or committed relationship partner.

• Conflict in interpersonal relationships.

• Bankruptcy/Money Problems.

• Unemployment.

• Sleep problems.

• Children's problems at school.

• Legal problems.

Examples of positive personal stressors include:

• Receiving a promotion or raise at work.

• Starting a new job.

• Marriage.

• Buying a home.

• Having a child.

• Moving.

• Taking a vacation.

• Holiday seasons.

• Retiring.

• Taking educational classes or learning a new hobby.

What are the Different Kinds of Stress?

Many people feel stress after dealing with the loss of a loved one, while going
through a divorce or even after a tough day at work, but most people don’t realize
is that there are different kinds of stress. The types of stress relate to how the stress
comes on or what symptoms are associated with the stress, but psychologists
typically differentiate between the different types based on how long the periods
last. Learning more about the different types and periods of stress can help
individuals learn how to battle stress.

Physical Stress

A common type of stress is physical stress, which refers to actual physical

activities and events that cause disorder on the human body. One good example is
travel. Traveling frequently can send you to different time zones, which makes
sleeping and waking difficult. Physical stress also includes stress brought on by
sleeping too much, not getting enough sleep, spending too many hours on your feet
or working long hours. If you ever spent a day hurrying your kids around an
amusement park or stuck in an airport and dealing with flight delays, you have
likely experienced physical stress.

Emotional Stress

Out of all the different kinds of stress, emotional stress is the most common. This
can occur after you go through an intense break up or divorce, lose a loved one,
have a fight with your spouse or experience any other problem that causes you to
feel depressed or anxious. Emotional stress often manifests in the same way that
depression does. You may experience weight changes, changes in how you fall
asleep or how long you sleep, feelings of isolation and mood swings. Emotional
stress can also occur when you feel overwhelmed at home or at work.

Traumatic Stress

When thinking about the types of stress, many people don’t think about traumatic
stress. Traumatic stress is a type of stress that occurs because of some type of
trauma to the human body and may lead to intense pain, coma or even death. It
often relates to some kind of physical change that occurs. If you went through an
operation, your body may experience stress until you recover from that surgery. A
car accident, second or third degree burns or even a case of pneumonia may all
cause traumatic stress.

Acute vs. Chronic Stress

In addition to the different types of stress, psychologists differentiate between

acute stress and chronic stress. According to the American Psychological
Association, chronic stress refers to an extended type of stress that impacts people
every day of the year and can last for years or even decades. Acute stress is a type
of stress that only occurs for a set period of time or only because of certain factors
in the environment. This may include the stress you feel after a fight with your
kids, a meeting at work or an encounter with another driver on the road. The APA
also identifies something called episodic acute stress, which refers to intense
periods of stress.

• poverty

• a dysfunctional family

• an unhappy marriage

• a bad job

Chronic stress can be detrimental to your health, as it can contribute to

several serious diseases or health risks, such as:

• heart disease

• cancer

• lung disease

• accidents

• cirrhosis of the liver

• suicide

Occupational stress is a term used to define ongoing stress that is related to the
workplace. The stress may have to do with the responsibilities associated with the
work itself, or be caused by conditions that are based in the corporate culture or
personality conflicts. As with other forms of tension, occupation stress can
eventually affect both physical and emotional well-being if not managed
effectively. Stress is an

Today, there is a standard occupational stress index that is used in many stress
management programs to assess the potential for negative stress to undermine one
or more employees. There are also various incarnations of an occupational stress
indicator listing that can help individuals determine whether general conditions
have the potential to lead to unhealthy stress levels.

Occupational stress, in particular, is the inability to cope with the pressures in a job
(Rees, 1997), because of a poor fit between someone’s abilities and his/her work
requirements and conditions (Holmlund-Rytkonen & Strandvik, 2005). It is a
mental and physical condition which affects an individual’s productivity,
effectiveness, personal health and quality of work (Comish & Swindle, 1994, 26).
The main components of the work-stress process are potential sources of stress
(stressors), factors of individual differences (moderators/mediators), and
consequences of stress (strain) (Lu et. al., 2003, 481). Stressors (job-related and
extra-organizational) are objective events, stress is the subjective experience of the
event, and strain is the poor response to stress. Accordingly, the nature and effects
of stress might be best understood by saying that some environmental variables
(stressors), when interpreted by the individual (cognitive interpretation), may lead
to stress (Dua, 1994, 59). [12]

Tips for Reducing or Controlling Stress

If you are feeling stressed, there are steps you can take to feel better. As you read
the following suggestions, remember that conquering stress will not come from a
half-hearted effort, nor will it come overnight. It will take determination,
persistence and time. Some suggestions may help immediately, but if your stress
level doesn’t seem to improve, it may require more attention and/or lifestyle
changes.

Be realistic. If you feel overwhelmed by some activities (yours and/or your

family’s), learn to say NO! Eliminate an activity that is not absolutely necessary.
You may be taking on more responsibility than you can or should handle. If you
meet resistance, give reasons why you’re making the changes. Be willing to listen
to other’s suggestions and be ready to compromise.

Shed the “superman/superwoman” urge. No one is perfect, so don’t expect

perfection from yourself or others. Ask yourself, “What really needs to be done?”
How much can I do? Is the deadline realistic? What adjustments can I make?”
Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it.
Meditate. Just ten to twenty minutes of quiet reflection may bring relief from
chronic stress as well as increase your tolerance to it. Use the time to listen to
music, relax and try to think of pleasant things or nothing.

Visualize. Use your imagination and picture how you can manage a stressful
situation more successfully. Whether it’s a business presentation or moving to a
new place, many people feel visual rehearsals boost self-confidence and enable
them to take a more positive approach to a difficult task.

Take one thing at a time. For people under tension or stress, their day-to-day
workload can sometimes seem unbearable. The best way to cope with this feeling
of being overwhelmed is to take one task at a time. Make a list of things you need
to get done and start with one task. Once you accomplish that task, choose the next
one. The positive feeling of “checking off” tasks is very satisfying. It will motivate
you to keep going.

Exercise. Regular exercise is a popular way to relieve stress. Twenty to thirty

minutes of physical activity benefits both the body and the mind.

Hobbies. Take a break from your worries by doing something you enjoy. Whether
it’s gardening or painting, schedule time to indulge your interest.

Share your feelings. A conversation with a friend lets you know that you are not
the only one having a bad day, caring for a sick child or working in a busy office.
Stay in touch with friends and family. Ask them how they have dealt with a similar
situation that may be “stressing you out.” Let them provide love, support and
guidance. Don’t try to cope alone.

Be flexible! If you find you’re meeting constant opposition in either your personal
or professional life, rethink your position or strategy. Arguing only intensifies
stressful feelings. Make allowances for other’s opinions and be prepared to
compromise. If you are willing to be accommodating, others may meet you
halfway. Not only will you reduce your stress, you may find better solutions to
your problems.

Go easy with criticism. You may expect too much of yourself and others. Try not
to feel frustrated, disappointed or even “trapped” when another person does not
measure up. The “other person” may be a coworker, spouse, or child whose
behavior you are trying to change or don’t agree with. Avoid criticisms about
character, such as “You’re so stubborn,” and try providing constructive
suggestions for how someone might do something differently
Exercising to reduce stress[edit]
Studies have shown that exercise reduces stress.[57] Exercise effectively reduces
fatigue, improves sleep, enhances overall cognitive function such as alertness and
concentration, decreases overall levels of tension, and improves self-esteem.
[57]
 Because many of these are depleted when an individual experiences chronic
stress, exercise provides an ideal coping mechanism. Despite popular belief, it is
not necessary for exercise to be routine or intense in order to reduce stress. As little
as five minutes of aerobic exercise can begin to stimulate anti-anxiety effects.
[57]
 Further, a 10-minute walk may have the same psychological benefits as a 45-
minute workout, reinforcing the assertion that exercise in any amount or intensity
will reduce stress.[
Health promotion[edit]
There is an alternative method to coping with stress, in which one works to
minimize their anxiety and stress in a preventative manner. If one works towards
coping with stress daily, the feeling of stress and the ways in which one deals with
it as the external event arises becomes less of a burden.
Suggested strategies to improve stress management include:[69]
1. Regular exercise – set up a fitness program, 3–4 times a week
2. Support systems – to listen, offer advice, and support each other
3. Time management – develop an organizational system
4. Guided imagery and visualization – create a relaxing state of mind
5. Progressive muscle relaxation – loosen tense muscle groups
6. Assertiveness training – work on effective communication
7. Journal writing – express true emotion, self-reflection
8. Stress management in the workplace – organize a new system, switch tasks
to reduce own stress.
9. Heart Speak - a novel method for reducing stress and other stress-related
conditions such as anxiousness, depression, and low self-esteem.[70]