Which type of crisis is caused by larger life events that individuals typically have little control over?

A situational crisis is characterized by significant life events that are largely outside an individual’s control. These events can include natural disasters, serious accidents, unexpected financial hardship, or sudden loss of a loved one. Such crises often disrupt normal functioning and require individuals to adapt quickly to new realities.

In this context, a situational crisis stands out because it brings about profound changes that necessitate coping and adjustment strategies that the individual might not have previously developed. People experiencing these crises often feel overwhelmed as they navigate through periods of instability and uncertainty, which can lead to a variety of emotional responses.

In contrast, a developmental crisis typically relates to growth transitions that everyone experiences at different stages, such as adolescence or becoming a parent, where individuals may have a greater degree of control over their responses and choices. An interpersonal crisis involves conflicts or breakdowns in relationships that may be influenced by personal actions or decisions, and first-order change refers to more superficial adjustments rather than deeper, structural changes often required during a situational crisis.