Crisis Intervention and Trauma Support Flashcards

According to Caplan's crisis theory, how long does an acute crisis state typically last before some form of resolution occurs?

Answer: Four to six weeks

Caplan described crisis as a time-limited state of disequilibrium that usually resolves, adaptively or maladaptively, within about four to six weeks.

Which of Hobfoll's five essential elements of immediate and mid-term mass trauma intervention focuses on reducing physiological arousal and distress?

Answer: Promoting calming

Promoting calming targets the hyperarousal and emotional flooding that follow traumatic events.

In Roberts' Seven-Stage Crisis Intervention Model, what is the first stage?

Answer: Plan and conduct a thorough biopsychosocial and lethality assessment

Roberts' model begins with assessing lethality and immediate psychosocial needs before rapport-building and problem identification.

A bereavement practitioner is notifying a family of a sudden death. Which wording is most appropriate?

Answer: "I'm sorry, your son died this afternoon."

Death notification best practice uses plain, unambiguous words like "died" or "dead" to prevent confusion and false hope.

A widow reports intense distress, flashbacks of finding her husband's body, and avoidance of the house two weeks after his death. Which diagnosis is most consistent with this timeframe if criteria are met?

Answer: Acute stress disorder

Acute stress disorder is diagnosed from 3 days to 1 month after trauma exposure, while PTSD requires symptoms lasting more than one month.

Which practice is considered most important when using Psychological First Aid with newly bereaved survivors of a disaster?

Answer: Providing practical assistance and linking to support services

Psychological First Aid emphasizes safety, comfort, practical assistance, and connection to services rather than forced disclosure or diagnosis.

Which term describes the cumulative emotional exhaustion and reduced capacity for empathy that caregivers experience from repeated exposure to others' suffering?

Answer: Compassion fatigue

Compassion fatigue results from the cost of caring for traumatized or suffering people and combines secondary traumatic stress with burnout.