Question

A teenager was driving a car that slipped off an icy road, killing two of his friends. He repeatedly tells the nurse that he should be dead instead of his friends. The client's behavior is an example of:

1. survivor's guilt.
2. denial.
3. anticipatory grief.
4. repression.

Answer 1

The behavior exhibited by the teenager is an example of survivor's guilt, which refers to the feelings of guilt and responsibility experienced by someone who has survived a traumatic event while others did not. Counselling and support can be beneficial in helping individuals cope with survivor's guilt and navigate their feelings of grief and loss.

Step-by-step explanation:

The behavior exhibited by the teenager in this situation is an example of survivor's guilt. Survivor's guilt refers to the feelings of guilt and responsibility experienced by someone who has survived a traumatic event while others did not. In this case, the teenager believes that he should have died instead of his friends, indicating his feelings of guilt and the belief that he should have been the one to suffer the consequences.

Survivor's guilt is a common psychological response to traumatic events, particularly when there is a perceived sense of responsibility for the outcomes. It can lead to feelings of depression, self-blame, and a sense of unworthiness. Counselling and support can be beneficial in helping individuals cope with survivor's guilt and navigate their feelings of grief and loss.