Crisis Theory & Life Events

1. Crisis Theory & Life Events Presentation to EPI 6181 class by Crystal Dunn, October 2003

2. Crisis Theory Origin • Erikson (1950-59) • Normal personality growth occurs through resolution of normative developmental crises • Those who resolve problems in previous stage achieve lasting solution, new skill, confidence etc. – building blocks for future solutions – coping mechanisms • Potential for development or vulnerability • Caplan (1961) • Unscheduled crises or life events, when successfully resolved, also promote growth

3. Crisis Theory Defined • Crisis = upset in steady state • Life cycle is a series of events that may or may not cause crisis (normative OR unscheduled) • Crisis refers to the emotional reaction to a hazardous event, and not the situation itself • “Call to action” • Crisis situation involves both danger and opportunity

4. Crisis Theory Defined con’t • Crisis may be viewed as a challenge, a threat, or a loss • Views depend on unique physical and emotional makeup as well as resources available to handle situation • Not every hazardous event becomes a crisis for every person because it may or may not produce a state of disequilibrium

5. 3 Stages of Crisis Theory & Goals • Pre-Crisis • Health promotion & disease prevention • Crisis • Amelioration and/or Restoration • Post-Crisis • Rehabilitation or maintenance

6. 2 Types of Hazardous Events • Developmental hazardous events • Those that everyone experiences • Normative, predictable • Requires new problem-solving mechanisms • e.g. birth, entry into school, marriage, death of loved one; all maturational phases • Situational Hazardous events • Accidental happenings that some persons experience; not same for everyone • Require new problem-solving mechanisms • e.g. change in job, accident, disease

7. Pre-Crisis Stage • Whether or not hazardous event leads to individual crisis depends on perception of problem (may be real or imagined) • If the person possesses adequate adaptive mechanisms, there will be a solution to the problem, or recovery • Through experiencing the event, person has added to problem-solving mechanisms and achieves higher level of functioning.

8. Crisis Stage • Coping mechanisms fail • Reaction to the problem is unique for each individual • Original problem actually intensifies in this stage • Intervention may lead to resolution of crisis and growth may be achieved – new coping mechanisms developed

9. Post Crisis • Either growth or regression • Major disorganization if no resolution • Becomes more difficult to mobilize resources and seek additional help • Leads to breakdown or maladaptation • Intervention at this stage may achieve maximum possible level of wellness • Otherwise, entropy increases, which lead directly to death

10. Developmental Hazardous Events • Human Sexuality • Child birth continuum • Changing physical status • Accomplishment of socialization • Accomplishment of industry/work • Achieving a rational and dignified end to life (does not include sudden or untimely death)

11. Situational Hazardous Events • Loss of Relationships • Loss of Regulation • Loss of Protective Measures • Loss of Mobility • Loss of Sensory-Motor Function • Loss of Patency (e.g. blocked arteries) • Loss of Reproductive Integrity