Which statement describes the first phase of crisis?

Which statement describes the first phase of crisis?

• A. Escalating anxiety from a threat activates increased defense responses
• B. Anxiety continues to escalate
• C. Trial and error methods of resolution fail
• D. Overwhelming anxiety leads to anguish

Answer: (A)

In crisis theory, the first phase centers on the person's response to a threatening event with rising anxiety that triggers protective, defensive actions. The individual begins to mobilize coping resources and defenses to manage the threat, without yet settling on a concrete solution. This is why the statement describing the first phase—that escalating anxiety from a threat activates increased defense responses—best captures what happens initially. As the crisis unfolds, anxiety may continue to rise, problem-solving attempts may fail, and eventually distress can become overwhelming, which are features of later phases.

In crisis theory, the first phase centers on the person's response to a threatening event with rising anxiety that triggers protective, defensive actions. The individual begins to mobilize coping resources and defenses to manage the threat, without yet settling on a concrete solution. This is why the statement describing the first phase—that escalating anxiety from a threat activates increased defense responses—best captures what happens initially. As the crisis unfolds, anxiety may continue to rise, problem-solving attempts may fail, and eventually distress can become overwhelming, which are features of later phases.