A crisis is best described as which of the following?

• A. A time-limited disruption in functioning requiring support.
• B. A permanent change in personality.
• C. An illness lasting for years.
• D. A rare event with no emotional impact.

Answer: (A)

Crisis is a sudden, acute disruption in functioning caused by stress that overwhelms a person’s usual coping resources, and it is typically time-limited and requires support to regain equilibrium. This captures the momentary, overwhelming impact of a difficult event and the need for help to restore balance. It’s not about a permanent personality change, nor about a long-lasting illness, and it certainly involves emotional response. The other descriptions describe chronic changes, long-term illness, or events with little emotional effect, which don’t reflect the immediate, supportive response that defines a crisis.