Crisis resulting from Traumatic Stress is best described as:

• A. An emotional crisis precipitated by a preexisting psychiatric disorder
• B. An anticipated life transition that is well managed
• C. Caused by an unexpected stressor over which the individual has no control
• D. A crisis reflected in psychopathology

Answer: (C)

Crisis from traumatic stress happens when an unexpected external event overwhelms a person’s coping resources, producing acute emotional distress that the individual cannot control. The defining feature is the sudden, uncontrollable nature of the stressor, which disrupts functioning and overwhelms usual problem-solving abilities. This distinguishes it from crises caused by preexisting psychiatric illness, anticipated transitions that are managed, or crises that simply reflect ongoing psychopathology. In short, the key is an unforeseen, external event over which the person has little or no control, triggering an acute crisis.