Crisis is defined as which of the following?

• A. Crisis is defined as the perception of an event or situation as an intolerable difficulty that exceeds the resources or coping mechanisms of a person
• B. A minor change in daily routine
• C. A chronic condition requiring medication
• D. A temporary stressor easily managed

Answer: (A)

Crisis is about how an event or situation is perceived and whether it overwhelms a person’s usual coping resources. It isn’t just the event itself; it’s the combination of the intolerable difficulty the person experiences and the fact that their usual supports or coping strategies can’t handle it. When this happens, functioning can become disrupted and may require external support to regain stability.

That’s why the other options don’t fit: a minor daily change isn’t overwhelming; a chronic medical condition is a health issue, not a crisis in this sense; and a temporary stressor that’s easily managed stays within the person’s coping range.