National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level 2 (NCAC II) Practice Exam Exam

What is a characteristic of someone who is emotionally impacted by a critical incident?

1. High resilience and coping abilities

2. Aware of potential disruption in their life

3. Minor emotional response

4. Complete denial of the situation

The correct answer is: Aware of potential disruption in their life

Being emotionally impacted by a critical incident often leads individuals to develop an awareness of the potential disruption in their life. When someone experiences a significant event, such as a trauma or crisis, it can trigger a range of emotional and psychological responses. This heightened emotional state typically results in a clearer recognition of how the incident could alter their day-to-day experiences, relationships, or mental health. Such awareness is crucial in processing the incident and its implications, as it allows the individual to contemplate the necessary adjustments they need to make in their life. This level of awareness can also motivate individuals to seek support, whether therapeutic or from their social networks, to navigate the emotional fallout effectively. In contrast, exhibiting high resilience and coping abilities or having a minor emotional response could indicate that a person is managing their emotions well and may not be experiencing the depth of impact that others might. Complete denial suggests a refusal to accept reality, which is generally a sign of avoidance rather than a healthy engagement with the emotional consequences of the incident. Therefore, the correct option highlights a realistic and significant emotional response that facilitates growth and adaptation in the aftermath of a crisis.