In a crisis situation, what should staff focus on regarding their own feelings?

• A. Suppressing emotions
• B. Exercising self-control
• C. Expressing anger
• D. Ignoring feelings

Answer: (B)

In a crisis situation, it is essential for staff to focus on exercising self-control regarding their own feelings. Maintaining self-control allows staff to respond to the crisis effectively and constructively, rather than letting emotions dictate their actions. This involves recognizing and acknowledging one's emotions without allowing them to overwhelm or impair judgment.

When staff exercise self-control, they can maintain a calm demeanor, communicate clearly, and contribute to de-escalating the situation. This approach also models appropriate emotional regulation for individuals in crisis, reinforcing a safe and supportive environment.

Suppressing emotions could lead to an unaddressed build-up of feelings, negatively impacting the staff's well-being and effectiveness. Expressing anger in a crisis can escalate the situation rather than calm it, while ignoring feelings may prevent staff from recognizing their emotional state, which is essential for providing effective support to those in crisis. Thus, exercising self-control stands out as a vital practice for ensuring a positive outcome in crisis intervention scenarios.