Which of the following is a consequence of responding to failure in a maladaptive way?

• A. Increased risk of depression
• B. Improved self-esteem
• C. Greater emotional resilience
• D. Enhanced problem-solving skills

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of maladaptive responses. In psychology, maladaptive responses are behaviors or thought patterns that do not effectively address or resolve a problem and may worsen the situation or emotional state.
2. Step 2: Identify what happens when someone responds to failure maladaptively. This often involves negative self-talk, avoidance, or giving up, which can lead to negative emotional outcomes.
3. Step 3: Consider the psychological consequences of maladaptive responses to failure. These can include feelings of helplessness, lowered motivation, and increased vulnerability to mental health issues such as depression.
4. Step 4: Contrast maladaptive responses with adaptive responses, which typically promote improved self-esteem, emotional resilience, and problem-solving skills by encouraging constructive coping and learning from failure.
5. Step 5: Conclude that among the options given, the consequence of responding to failure in a maladaptive way is an increased risk of depression, as maladaptive responses undermine emotional well-being.