Final answer:
Psychological reactions to crisis are often explained by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross's five-stage model of grief, which includes denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. These reactions are individualized, and not everyone experiences all stages or in the same order. The general adaptation syndrome also portrays how the body physiologically reacts to stress.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Psychological Reactions to Crisis
Psychological reactions to a crisis can be complex and varied, often encompassing stages that are reflected in Elisabeth Kübler-Ross's five-stage model of grief. Kübler-Ross's model outlines the sequential experiences of denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and finally, acceptance. When faced with a terminal illness or substantial loss, individuals may move through these stages in various orders and not everyone experiences all stages. For example, if one received a terminal diagnosis, the initial reaction could be denial, not wanting to believe the reality of the situation. Following that might be anger at the perceived injustice, then attempts to bargain for more time or a miraculous recovery. A period of depression typically comes next as the individual grapples with the weight of their situation, before eventually finding a way to accept and come to terms with the impending loss.
The manifestation of these stages can differ based on personal factors, including one's coping mechanisms, social support systems, and spiritual beliefs. While Kübler-Ross's model is a significant framework for understanding grief, it is important to recognize that each individual's experience is unique, and some might not follow the sequence or express all the stages.
Parallel to psychological reactions to personal crisis, Selye's general adaptation syndrome also describes how the body reacts to stress through stages of alarm reaction, resistance, and eventually exhaustion if the stressor persists. This model underscores that prolonged exposure to crisis can lead to physiological changes as the body adapts to and tries to resist stress.