The correct answer is A. Maladaptive
Step-by-step explanation:
In psychology, a maladaptive behavior refers to behaviors the individual uses to reduce anxiety, fear or negative feelings that allow him/her to cope with daily-activities or certain situations but that have negative consequences. An example of this is biting your nails when you are nervous as this behavior helps you to deal with anxiety but also has negative consequences such as serious sores. This means, maladaptive behaviors are dysfunctional and despite they might help the individual to adapt they do not solve the real problem. According to this, a behavior that may have started as a way to help a person cope with demands but has damaging effects is maladaptive behavior.