A Review of Crisis Intervention Theory

Abstract

The current status of crisis intervention theory is reviewed, and concepts are presented to make the crisis model easier and more effective for therapists to use

Dynamic Considerations in Psychiatric Crisis Intervention

“…This has occurred becau se most theorist s have not operationalized crisis theory into clear, co ncep tua l treatment plans. Until this is done it will be difficult to eva luate th e effec tive ness of crisi s intervention " ( 19). The d evelopment o f brief psych otherapi es ma kes a good model for the fu rther evo lu t io n of cr isis intervention techniques.…”

Multiple impact therapy : evaluation and design for future study

“…Although crisis intervention is a widely applied treatment alternative in family crisis situations, a review of relevant literature reveals that its theory and techniques are amorphous and internally inconsistent, and have not been widely researched (Cronin-Stubbs, 1978;Darbonne, 1968;Smith, 1976Smith, , 1978Smith, , 1979. Nevertheless, the literature does provide some useful information including: definitions of a family crisis, goals and techniques of crisis intervention, examples of innovative crisis intervention programs, and cautions about too heavy a reliance on crisis intervention as a treatment approach.…”

“…A crisis represents a critical point in an individual's social and psychological development (Smith, 1976(Smith, , 1978(Smith, , 1979. Depending on how well the crisis is resolved, the family functioning will either improve or deteriorate when the crisis is over.…”

“…Depending on how well the crisis is resolved, the family functioning will either improve or deteriorate when the crisis is over. Fortunately, those experiencing a crisis are highly receptive to growth and change (Alevizos & Liberman, 1976;Darbonne, 1968;Mackey, 1968;Smith, 1976Smith, , 1978Smith, , 1979. Some authors believe that because struggles with current crisis situations may be linked to previous intrapsychic and family conflicts, crisis intervention can solve not only current problems, but also the earlier, unresolved conflicts (Berlin, 1975).…”

“…Yet all authors reviewed agree that the intervention should take place as soon after the crisis occurs as possible. Most advocate the avoidance of complex intake screening so that treatment will be simultaneous with diagnosis (Langsley & Kaplan, 1968;Pittman et al, 1966;Smith, 1978;Stuart & Machey, 1977;Sullivan et al, 1977). Thus, the task of the therapist is to find a method of assessment that is both thorough and expedient.…”