Counselor Education Comprehensive Exam (CECE) Practice Exam

What term describes an intense, generally short-term, time of distress in which normal stress management skills are inadequate?

1. Trauma

2. Crisis

3. Conflict

4. Neglect

The correct answer is: Crisis

The term that describes an intense, generally short-term period of distress where an individual’s normal stress management skills are insufficient is "crisis." A crisis typically arises from a specific event that overwhelms a person’s ability to cope, leading to significant emotional, psychological, or behavioral challenges. During these times, individuals often experience feelings of anxiety, confusion, and helplessness, which can disrupt their daily functioning. In a crisis, immediate intervention is often needed to help restore equilibrium, as the individual may not be able to utilize their usual coping mechanisms. The nature of a crisis is such that it is often sudden and unexpected, requiring external support or intervention to address the level of distress being experienced. Other terms such as "trauma" refer to the emotional and psychological response resulting from a distressing event but don't capture the immediacy and the overwhelming nature of a crisis. "Conflict" typically involves a disagreement or clash between parties rather than an individual’s struggle with distress. "Neglect" pertains to a failure to provide for someone’s basic physical or emotional needs, which is a different concept from the acute disturbance described by a crisis. Thus, the definition and characteristics of a crisis make it the most accurate term for this situation.