Families Today

Chapter 16: Coping with Crisis

Chapter Summaries with Key Terms and Academic Vocabulary

Chapter Summary

Section 16.1 Understand Crisis

A crisis is a situation so critical that it overwhelms usual coping methods and causes great emotional distress. Three factors that can make a problem a crisis are hardship, resources, and attitude. People react to crises in a four-stage process. First they feel the impact of it. Then they withdraw and may act confused. Finally they are able to focus on the crisis. They adapt and resolve it. There are many resources available for those in crisis. People usually turn first to family and friends. School personnel and health care professionals can help. Community resources include hotlines, shelters, agencies, religious groups, and support groups.

Section 16.2 The Crises People Face

Some crises involve health issues. Disease, illness, and accidents have financial and emotional effects on families. Addictions are mental or physical needs to have a substance or to repeat a behavior in order to function. Harassment and abuse are behaviors that hurt others. Abuse can be emotional or physical. Death is another cause of crisis. People whose loved ones die may feel overwhelming grief. Suicide is a common cause of death for teens and can be prevented. Crisis management involves using skills to make decisions and solve problems. Interventions and helping others are ways to deal with crises.

Content and Academic Vocabulary