Existential crisis involves questions such as why are we here and who made us, leading to inner conflicts. Which statement best describes existential crisis?

• A. A crisis triggered by a sudden illness.
• B. A crisis defined by a single traumatic event.
• C. A crisis caused by external pressures only.
• D. Existential crisis involves questions about meaning that consume us.

Answer: (D)

The main concept here is meaning-making in existential distress—the way questions about existence, purpose, and why we are here can dominate a person’s thoughts and create deep inner conflict. The best statement captures this by saying existential crisis involves questions about meaning that consume us. It emphasizes that the distress centers on meaning and purpose, not just a general upset.

The other descriptions describe crises that are more situational or trauma-related rather than about meaning. A crisis sparked by a sudden illness is a medical or acute stress reaction, not necessarily about ongoing questions of meaning. A crisis defined by a single traumatic event focuses on trauma exposure rather than the persistent exploration of meaning. A crisis caused by external pressures only points to outside factors, but existential crises revolve around internal inquiry into meaning and purpose, which can persist beyond external circumstances.