Basic Corrections Officer: Certification Study Guide

Which of the following is NOT a psychological response to a critical incident?

1. Intense Fear

2. Numbness

3. Relief

4. Excitement

The correct answer is: Relief

The psychological response to a critical incident can vary greatly among individuals, typically encompassing a range of emotions that stem from intense stress or trauma. Intense fear often arises in response to life-threatening situations, manifesting as a natural instinct to protect oneself from danger. Numbness is a common reaction that individuals might experience as a coping mechanism, where they emotionally disconnect from the situation to manage overwhelming feelings. Relief, on the other hand, is not typically classified as a psychological response to a critical incident. While there may be moments of relief after a traumatic event has concluded or if a threatening situation resolves, it does not reflect the immediate, instinctive reactions that follow such incidents. Relief is more associated with recovery or the end of stress rather than an emotional response during the incident itself. Excitement might occur in certain situations where adrenaline is high, leading to a thrill-seeking response, but this too is generally less common in the context of psychological responses to critical incidents especially when compared to fear and numbness. Thus, the option that stands out as not fitting the typical responses is relief, as it does not align with the acute emotional experiences that are characteristic of immediate psychological reactions to critical incidents.