Phase 2 of Crisis occurs if the usual defensive response fails and the threat persists; what happens?

• A. The person quickly recovers.
• B. Anxiety rises and trial-and-error begins.
• C. The person experiences resignation.
• D. There is immediate insight.

Answer: (B)

When usual defenses fail and the threat persists, anxiety climbs and the person begins to try new ways to cope. This phase reflects a shift from relying on familiar, automatic defenses to actively searching for fresh strategies to reduce distress. Because the existing coping patterns aren’t working, the mind searches through options in a trial-and-error fashion, trying different actions, seeking information, or reaching out for support to see what might help.

Quick recovery would imply an immediate return to functioning, which isn’t characteristic of this moment of crisis. Resignation would suggest giving up without trying new approaches, and immediate insight implies a sudden realization or breakthrough that isn’t the typical response in this stage.