Phase 1 of Crisis occurs when the person confronted by conflict responds with what?

• A. Increased anxiety.
• B. Immediate resolution.
• C. Depression.
• D. Ignore the conflict.

Answer: (A)

When a crisis first hits, the person’s reaction is a surge of emotional arousal. Phase I is marked by increased anxiety and tension as the individual confronts the conflict, which can disrupt thinking and functioning. They may feel overwhelmed, restless, and fearful, reaching for quick, defensive ways to cope. Immediate resolution isn’t typically the outcome at this stage because the emotional surge overshadows clear problem-solving. Depression and deliberate ignoring of the issue aren’t the hallmark responses in this initial phase—the former tends to develop if the crisis remains unresolved, while the latter is a withdrawal pattern rather than the immediate reaction to the conflict. Understanding this heightened anxiety helps explain why the focus of early intervention is calming and support to stabilize the person so they can begin to cope and move toward resolution in later phases.