THEORETICAL

CONCEPT OF CRISIS
INTERVENTION

PSSg Germito M Loria Jr

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
In this topic, we will be able to
learn the definition of crisis, crisis
intervention, theories of crisis
intervention and how it was
developed, the men behind these
theories and their study based on their
own personal experience and
observation of other individuals
experiencing crisis.
 Crisis is defined as an overwhelming event,
which can include violence, the passing of a
loved one, or the discovery of a serious
illness which affects the individual. It is an
unstable or crucial time or state of affairs in
which a decisive change is impending.

 Crisis intervention is a short-term

management technique designed to reduce
potential permanent damage to an individual
affected by a crisis.
THEORIES OF
CRISIS
INTERVENTION
INTRODUCTION

The origin of crisis theories are usually attributed to Dr. Erich

Lindemann’s classic study of grief reaction in response to the
Cocoanut Grove Disaster and upon which his colleague, Dr.
Gerald Caplan devised a theory of crisis.
 Dr. Erich Lindemann a German-American
writer and Psychiatrist who developed theory
and intervention directed toward sufferers of
loss/grief. He is most known for his work in
preventive intervention, particularly with
subjects of grief, loss, and other forms of crisis.
He developed his crisis theory within the
context of his approach to specific human
dilemmas. He believes that man's internal
stability is threatened by certain changes, or
“crises,” in his social environment which cause
acute disturbance.
Based on Lindemann’s theory, the normal grief
behaviors includes:

 Preoccupation with the lost one,

 Identification with the lost one,
 Expressions of guilt and hostility,
 Some disorganization in daily routine, and
 Some evidence of somatic complaints.
These responses are not abnormal nor
pathological.
Gerald Caplan a world-renowned child and community
psychiatrist, an early pioneer in crisis intervention. He expanded
Lindemann’s ideas to the field of traumatic events. He viewed
crisis as a state resulting from impediments to life goals that
cannot be overcome through customary behaviors. He
described crisis as a state of upset experienced by an
individual, group, or community when he, she, or they are
confronted by serious and significant demands or deprivations
that may constitute a turning point for better or worse in their
continued well-being.
This expanded crisis theory finds contributions from
psychoanalysis, systems theory, adaptational theory, and
interpersonal theory.

Psychoanalytic theory - is based on the view that the

uncertainty that accompanies a person’s crisis can be
understood through gaining access to the individual’s
unconscious thoughts and past emotional experiences. The
presupposition is that some early childhood fixation is the
primary explanation of why an event becomes a crisis.
Systems theory - stresses the interrelationships and
interdependence among people and between people
and events. The theory refers to an emotional system, a
system of communications, and a system of need
fulfillment and request in which all members within an
intergenerational relationship bring something to bear
on each other.
Adaptational theory - depicts a person’s
crisis as being sustained through
maladaptive behaviors, negative thoughts,
and destructive defense mechanisms. A
person’s crisis will recede when these
maladaptive coping mechanism are
changed to adaptive ones.
Interpersonal theory - describes how
enhancing personal self-esteem and belief
in others. When people confer their locus of
self-evaluation on others, they become
dependent on others for validation of their
being.
 CONCLUSION/RECOMMENDATION:
Crisis theory suggests that unresolved bereavement from
earlier losses (of a person, a relationship, security, capacity, and
a dream) affects not only one’s later day-to-day functioning, but
also one’s reaction to subsequent crises. It is important for
helpers to learn about the victim’s past experience with abuse
and loss so that helping strategies can be planned that enhance
one’s style of coping.
 QUESTIONS
1. It is an overwhelming event which can include violence, the passing of a
loved one, or the discovery of a serious illness which affects the individual.
a. Psychoanalytical Theory b. Interpersonal theory
c. Crisis d. Crisis intervention

2. In what incident where Dr. Lindemann developed or described his crisis

theory?
a. Haitian Earthquake (2010) b. Ozone disco tragedy (1996)
c. Kashmir earthquake (2005) d. Cocoanut Grove Fire Incident (1942)

3. It is a short-term management technique designed to reduce potential

permanent damage to an individual affected by a crisis.
a. Crisis intervention b. Crisis
c. Adaptational theory d. Systems theory
4. He is most known for his work in preventive intervention,
particularly with subjects of grief, loss, and other forms of crisis.
a. Dr. Gerald Caplan b. Dr. Erich Lindemann
c. Dr. Dustin K McDonalds d. Dr. Hans Eysenk

5. He expanded Lindemann’s ideas to the field of traumatic

events. He viewed crisis as a state resulting from impediments
to life goals that cannot be overcome through customary
behaviors.
a. Dr. Dustin K McDonalds b. Dr. Hans Eysenk
c. Dr. Gerald Caplan d. Dr. Erich Lindemann

6. Psychoanalytic theory is based on the view that the

uncertainty that accompanies a person’s crisis can be
understood through gaining access to the individual’s
unconscious thoughts and past emotional experiences.
a. True b. False
7. Systems theory stresses the interrelationships and interdependence
among people and between people and events. The theory refers to an
emotional system, a system of communications, and a system of need
fulfillment and request in which all members within an intergenerational
relationship bring something to bear on each other.
a. True b. False

8. Dr. Gerald Caplan a German-American writer and Psychiatrist who

developed theory and intervention directed toward sufferers of loss/grief.
a. True b. False

9. Cocoanut Grove Disaster took place at Boston, Massachusetts in

November 28, 1942 that resulted to the death of 492 people.
a. True b. False

10. Interpersonal theory - describes how enhancing personal self-esteem

and belief in others. When people confer their locus of self-evaluation on
others, they become dependent on others for validation of their being.
a. True b. False
Thank you!