Identifying Maladaptive Coping Behaviors in Stress Management

A 45-year-old male patient has been experiencing significant stress due to job loss and family responsibilities. During an outpatient appointment, the nurse assesses the patient's coping strategies and notes that he tends to engage in __________ behavior when faced with stressful situations. This behavior typically involves avoidance and may eventually lead to negative outcomes affecting his overall mental health. The nurse recognizes that identifying this maladaptive coping mechanism is essential for developing an effective intervention plan.