A client, aged 16 years, comes to the crisis clinic. The nurse learns she is being molested by her

Question

uncle. She has told her mother, who thinks she is lying.

In a disjointed fashion, the client tells the
nurse the following: (1) "I am all confused. I got desperate and tried to kill myself.". (2) "For a few
days I just sat in my room. I told my mother I was sick.". (3) "I tried to figure out what to do. First I
thought I would live with my friend, but her mother said I couldn't. Then I thought I would go live
in a homeless shelter.". (4) "I told my mother, hoping she would tell my uncle he couldn't come to
the house anymore.". The client has actually described the four distinct phases of crisis according to
Caplan. Which of the following reflects the statements in the correct order to coincide with Caplan's
theory?
a. 1, 2, 3, 4
b. 4, 2, 3, 1
c. 3, 2, 1, 4
d. 4, 3, 2, 1

Answer 1

D
Caplan suggests that in stage 1 the individual tries the usual problem-solving methods in an attempt
to lower anxiety. In stage 2, trial-and-error attempts at solving the problem are used to restore
equilibrium. In stage 3, automatic relief behaviors such as withdrawal and flight are used. In stage 4,
the anxiety can be so overwhelming as to lead to serious personality disorganization or suicidal
behavior.