Maladaptive responses refer to unhelpful or unhealthy reactions to a situation or problem. These reactions don't effectively solve the issue and might even make it worse. Full definition
«Early peer victimization sensitizes youth to stress by interfering with the development of effective coping and fostering maladaptive responses to stress,» notes Wendy Troop - Gordon, associate professor of psychology at North Dakota State University, who was the lead author of the study. (sciencedaily.com)
Dr Meares believed his patients returned to their earlier life and experience (atavism), clearing away their past maladaptive responses, thus enabling the normal homeostatic mechanisms of the body to re-establish healthier, adaptive response patterns. (novaholisticjournal.com)
Similarly, difficult temperament in infants may elicit maladaptive responses from caregivers in times of environmental stress. (personalityresearch.org)