What type of behavior is categorized as mali​ngering?

Malingering is defined as the intentional act of feigning or exaggerating illness or injury for the purpose of obtaining a specific benefit, such as avoiding duties or gaining rewards. By selecting exaggerating an existing illness to avoid duty as the correct behavior associated with malingering, you align with this definition precisely.

In this context, the individual actively enhances the symptoms or severity of their health condition beyond what is accurate to escape work or responsibility. This behavior is distinctively calculated and intentional, aimed at deceiving employers or authorities regarding one’s true state of health.

While pretending to be ill to gain sick leave and claiming disability for personal gain may seem similar, they do not necessarily require an existing condition to be exaggerated or misrepresented. Taking unnecessary medical leave may involve legitimate concerns or reasons that aren't a part of the definition of malingering, which focuses on the intent to deceive for personal benefit rather than simply being absent for time off.