2. 2
Most people live whether
physically, intellectually or morally in very
restrictive circle of their potential being. They
make use of very small portion of their soul’s
resources…….. Great emergencies
…………Crisis shows us how much greater
our vital resources really are….. Than we
supposed.
Williams James
3. 3
Crisis is a turning point
Webster
Crisis is a passage
Sheehy
Greek krinein, meaning to decide.
Chinese term signifies two character weiji
which signifies ‘Opportunity’ as well as
‘Danger’
Definition
4. 4
Definition
A crisis is an overwhelming reaction to
a threatening situation in which a
person’s usual problem solving
strategies fail to resolve the situation
resulting in a state of disequilibrium.
5. 5
Difference between Stress And
Crisis
Stress is everyday wear and tear.
Person uses usual coping
mechanisms.
Prolonged stress has potential to
reduce the emotional health of a
person.
6. 6
Characteristics of Crisis
Temporary.
Experienced as sudden.
Perceived as life threatening.
Communication impaired.
Actual or perceived loss.
Usual coping behaviors unsuccessful.
Self-limiting – usually lasts 4 to 6 weeks
7. 7
Characteristics of Crisis
Cognitive uncertainty
Physiological symptoms
It is a struggle for equilibrium and
adjustment to problems that are
perceived as insolvable.
After a crisis the individual may function
at a higher level, the same level or a
lower lever.
8. 8
Myths about Crisis
People in crisis suffer from mental illness
People in crisis cannot help themselves
Psychiatrist can intervene in crisis
Crisis intervention is a psychotherapy
Crisis intervention happens for a one time
shot and produces changes for a short time
only.
New bonding resolves crisis.
9. 9
Types Of Crisis
Dispositional/ Situational Crisis
Developmental/maturational Crisis
Adventitious/traumatic Crisis
Anticipatory life transition crisis
Crisis reflecting psychopathology
11. 11
Developmental crisis
Crisis resulting from unresolving
conflicts of one’s own life.
Passing from school-age to adolescence.
Passing from adolescent to adult.
Entering in old age.
12. 12
Anticipatory life transition crisis
Normal life transitions which are
anticipated but individual feel lack of
control over them.
Leaving home
Getting married
Having a baby
Beginning a career
Retirement
Death of loved one
Aging
13. 13
Adventitious Crisis
Unexpected uncontrollable external stresses
by which person experiences overwhelmed.
Natural disasters- hurricanes, flood, fire,
earthquake.
National disasters- war, riots.
Crime of violence- Child abuse, rape, assault,
bombing in crowded areas.
14. 14
Factors influencing outcome of crisis
Perception of event.
Physical and emotional status.
Personal maturity.
Previous experiences.
Realistic aspects of current situation.
Cultural influences.
Helping resources.
15. 15
Vulnerability to Crisis
Intensity of exposure to situation.
Low education level.
Preexisting psychiatric symptoms and
diagnosis.
Prior history of traumatic exposure.
Family history of anxiety and antisocial
behavior.
17. 17
Effect of Crisis
Disrupted homeostasis.
Altered functional level.
Failure of coping mechanisms.
Physiological symptoms.
Psychological symptoms.
18. 18
Stages of Crisis
Stage I: Mounting tension
Stage II: Plateau of disorganization
Stage III: Mobilization of all internal
and external resources
Stage IV: Adaptation or maladaptation
21. 21
Phase I
Exposure to critical incident/Initial
impact/Shock.
1hr. to 24-48 hrs.
Disruption of homeostatic balance.
Discomfort.
Motivation to reduce discomfort.
Trial and error problem solving begin.
Tries customary coping.
22. 22
Management of phase I
Ensuring safety of the client. (ABC)
Clarifying the event.
Objective presentation of event.
Help to confront the crisis.
Encourage to verbalize.
Help the person to help himself.
23. 23
Phase II
Emotional crises/Defensive Retreat
Hours to weeks
Previous coping mechanisms fail.
Increase anxiety.
Experience distress and disequilibrium.
Motivated to seek help from others.
Motivated to learn new coping skills to
relieve distress.
Resiliency
24. 24
Management of Phase II
Ensure safety of the client.
Assess resiliency.
Mobilize support systems.
Help the client to seek help.
Break complex problem into small tasks &
focus on specific task.
Help the client to identify new problem
solving strategies.
25. 25
Phase III
Crisis resolution/acknowledgement of reality
Defines issues.
Deals with feelings.
Utilizes resources.
Use different perspective to see the problem.
New problem solving techniques used.
Reduction in anxiety and discomfort.
26. 26
Management of Phase III
Help client in readjustment.
Support in dealing with feelings &
issues.
Help in practicing and evaluation of new
coping strategies.
27. 27
Phase IV
Post crisis adaptation/change
6 weeks to 12 months
Less vulnerability for particular problem.
Learns new and more adaptive coping.
Improved functioning.
Personal functioning.