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Research Paper: Overview of Specific Crises Assignment
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychological condition that may arise
following the experience or observation of a traumatic or scary incident. According to James &
Gilliand (2001), symptoms may include but are not limited to the following:4Pessimistic thoughts
and feelings, challenges in recalling significant aspects of the traumatic incident, anxious or
depressive affect, elevated heart rate, perspiration, tremors, muscular tension, nausea,
discomfort, respiratory difficulties, or vertigo.
James & Gilliand (2001) recommend that when evaluating individuals in crisis, our
attention should encompass not just their present clinical or diagnostic condition but also the
recurrent cycle of issues and the historical factors that may have precipitated the crisis.
Recognizing that an individual is functioning in a transcrisis state provides critical insights into
the nature and extent of therapeutic intervention required, both in the short and long term, which
is highly advantageous for a crisis worker (James & Gilliand, 2001).
The World Health Organization (2024) identifies evidence-based psychological therapy
as the preferred treatment for PTSD. The psychological methods having the strongest evidence
for effectively treating PTSD are those grounded in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy
and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR).
Sexual Assault
Webster (2002) defines sexual assault as unlawful sexual contact that typically involves
force against an individual without consent or is perpetrated on a person unable to provide
consent due to age, physical, or mental incapacity, or who places the assailant, such as a
physician, in a position of trust or power. James and Gilliand (2001) assert that, in most
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circumstances, the most beneficial and suitable instant response from a crisis professional is
empathy and reassurance that the survivor is alive. In crisis intervention, it is vital to establish the
fundamental facilitative conditions of fostering trust, exhibiting unconditional positive regard,
employing empathetic listening, and reacting, ensuring concreteness and clarity, and
demonstrating patience. It is essential for the crisis worker to swiftly establish a working
alliance, defined in psychotherapy as a cooperative and trusting connection, with the client.
Sexual assault, including rape, significantly increases the risk of PTSD, depression,
suicide, panic attacks, and many negative perceptions and cognitive distortions (James &
Gilliand, 2001). The crisis worker must prevent regression; ongoing, initiative-taking, and
persistent supportive therapy are vital for the client. If untreated, survivors may endure recurrent
periods of revictimization and display devastating symptoms for an extended duration. Survivors
of sexual assault frequently face numerous losses, each exerting a considerable influence beyond
the repercussions of the violent actions endured. Sexual assault results in a reduction of safety,
security, and stability at both individual and societal levels (Turner & Stauffer, 2023).
A component of a sexual assault evaluation involves meticulous documentation of the
abusive incidents for potential legal proceedings. The utilization of anatomically accurate dolls
aids in corroborating the events of the abuse. Researchers Peterson and Hardin created a
framework for evaluating children's artwork for indicators of sexual assault. The child is
instructed to refrain from vocal disclosure and instead depict many issues and scenarios through
illustration
Crises of Suicidality
Approximately one million people die by suicide each year, which translates to
roughly one every 40 seconds (James & Gilliand, 2001). Professionals overseeing crisis clients
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must continually assess for signs and risk factors linked to lethal behavior. The signs can be
verbal, behavioral, situational, or symptomatic (James & Gilliand, 2001).
A variety of instruments have been utilized for identifying suicidal ideation and behavior.
The triage evaluation of the client in an acute crisis is critical. James and Gilliand (2001)
recommend different questions such as, "Are you contemplating suicide?" “Are you
contemplating murdering another individual?” “What methods would you use to commit
suicide?” “When and where would you take your own life?” Minimizing the severity of these
inquiries could be detrimental to the client; empathy is essential when posing these queries.
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References
James, R. K., & Gilliand, B. E. (2001). Crisis Intervention Strategies.
https://www.amazon.com/Crisis-Intervention-Strategies-Richard-James/dp/1305271475
Turner, R. B., & Stauffer, S. D. (2023, July 25). Disenfranchised Grief: Examining Social,
Cultural, and Relational Impacts. Taylor & Francis.
https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003292890
Webster, M. (2002). Webster’s Dictionary. Merriam-Webster. https://www.merriam-
webster.com/
World Health Organization. (2024). Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. https://www.who.int/news-
room/fact-sheets/detail/post-traumatic-stress-disorder
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