Crisis and Bereavement: Definitions, Phases, and Interventions in Psychology

Crisis

A perceived challenge or threat that overwhelms an individual's capacity to cope effectively

Crisis Duration

A crisis is generally time-limited, typically lasting no more than 4 to 6 weeks

Phase 1 of Crisis

A problem arises, anxiety levels increase, and the person initiates usual problem-solving techniques

Phase 2 of Crisis

Usual problem-solving techniques are ineffective; trial-and-error attempts are made to restore balance

Phase 3 of Crisis

Trial-and-error fails, anxiety escalates to severe or panic levels, and the person adopts automatic relief behaviors

Phase 4 of Crisis

Anxiety overwhelms the person, leading to serious personality disorganization and signaling a state of crisis

Developmental Crisis

Significant maturational events such as leaving home, completing school, or accepting adult responsibilities

Situational Crisis

Occurs due to specific stressful events, such as a job loss, moving, or a change in financial status

Traumatic Crisis

Initiated by unexpected, external hazardous events like violent crimes, natural disasters, or war

Loss

The process of "losing" something or someone, which can be internal (loss of self-esteem) or external (death of a loved one)

Grief

An intense emotional reaction to loss; a biopsychosocial response that often includes pain, detachment, and shifting of self-identity

Bereavement

The process of healing and learning how to cope with the loss of a loved one; begins immediately after the loss

Integrated Bereavement

A state where the individual has reconciled the loss and can find joy in life again while remembering the deceased

Complicated Bereavement

A state where the person is "frozen" or stuck in chronic mourning, typically lasting more than 6 months after a loss

Dual Process Model

A theory of grieving that involves oscillating between "loss-oriented" coping and "restoration-oriented" coping

Psychological First Aid (ABC)

An intervention focusing on A (Arousal), B (Behavior), and C (Cognition) to stabilize victims after a disaster

Debriefing

The process of reconstruction of traumatic events by the victim; not recommended for everyone, especially those with PTSD