Comprehensive exams for Mental Health Q 217

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Marielle, 17 years old was sexually attacked while on her way home from school. She is brought to the hospital by her mother. Rape is an example of which type of crisis:

  

     A. Situational

     B. Adventitious

     C. Developmental

     D. Internal

    

    

Correct Answer: B. Adventitious

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Adventitious crisis is a crisis involving a traumatic event. It is not part of everyday life. An adventitious crisis can be triggered by a major natural disaster, a man-made disaster, or a crime of violence. Therefore, a tsunami or earthquake can result in an adventitious crisis. Childbirth, the death of a pet, or a leg amputation can cause a situational crisis.

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Option A: Situational crisis is from an external source that upsets one’s psychological equilibrium. These sudden and unexpected crises include accidents and natural disasters. Getting in a car accident, experiencing a flood or earthquake, or being the victim of a crime are just a few types of situational crises.

Option C: These occur as part of the process of growing and developing through various periods of life. Sometimes a crisis is a predictable part of the life cycle, such as the crisis described in Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development.

Option D: Developmental and internal crises are the same. They are transitional or developmental periods in life. A crisis can sometimes be quite obvious, such as a person losing his or her job, getting divorced, or being involved in some type of accident. In other cases, a personal crisis might be less apparent but can still lead to dramatic changes in behavior and mood.

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