What is the primary objective of crisis co-regulation?

• A. To provide emotional safety and support
• B. To eliminate all sources of stress
• C. To increase the child's independence
• D. To create a structured environment

Answer: (A)

The primary objective of crisis co-regulation is to provide emotional safety and support. During a crisis, children may experience heightened emotions and distress, which can make it difficult for them to regulate their feelings. Co-regulation involves a caregiver or support person helping the child manage their emotions by creating a safe and supportive environment. This process allows the adult to serve as a calming presence, helping the child feel understood and providing reassurance during a vulnerable time.

By focusing on emotional safety, co-regulation aims to stabilize the child's emotional state, which is crucial for enabling them to regain control and ultimately learn to manage their own emotions more effectively. The other options, while they may have their own merits, do not directly encapsulate the essence of co-regulation in the context of crisis intervention. Eliminating all sources of stress is often unrealistic, as some stressors may remain in a child's environment. Increasing independence typically comes after a child has developed the capacity for self-regulation, and creating a structured environment is beneficial but does not directly address the immediate emotional needs during a crisis.