Mental Health Technician Certification (AMCA) Practice Test

What characteristics define anxiety when it is a maladaptive response in an individual?

1. Effective coping

2. Ineffective coping

3. Excessive sociability

4. Increased resilience

The correct answer is: Ineffective coping

In the context of anxiety as a maladaptive response, ineffective coping is a key characteristic. When individuals experience anxiety maladaptively, they often struggle to manage their emotions and stressors effectively, which can lead to heightened feelings of fear, worry, and insecurity. This can manifest in various ways, such as avoidance behaviors, difficulty concentrating, and an inability to control anxious thoughts. Maladaptive anxiety differs from adaptive anxiety, where individuals might experience normal levels of worry but can still take constructive action or employ healthy coping strategies. In contrast, ineffective coping associated with maladaptive anxiety can result in withdrawal from social interactions, neglect of responsibilities, and overall decreased functioning in daily life, which further reinforces the cycle of anxiety. The other options, such as effective coping, excessive sociability, and increased resilience, are characteristics associated with adaptive responses. Effective coping allows individuals to face challenges and manage stress in a constructive manner, excessive sociability often indicates a comfort in social settings rather than anxiety, and increased resilience showcases an individual’s ability to bounce back from difficulties, effectively managing anxiety rather than succumbing to it.