Basic Corrections Officer: Certification Study Guide

Which of the following is a common emotional response after a critical incident?

1. Nostalgia

2. Fear for Safety

3. Joy

4. Confidence

The correct answer is: Fear for Safety

A common emotional response following a critical incident is fear for safety. Critical incidents, such as violent encounters, serious accidents, or traumatic events, can create a heightened sense of vulnerability and anxiety. Individuals who have experienced such events may feel a lingering fear that similar incidents could happen again, either to themselves or to others. This response is a normal reaction to trauma, reflecting the body’s instinct to protect itself from perceived danger. In contrast, nostalgia, joy, and confidence are less typically associated with critical incidents. Nostalgia involves a sentimental longing for the past, which may not be a direct response to a traumatic event. Joy can be a fleeting emotion but is not a standard response to a critical incident where feelings of distress or fear are more prevalent. Confidence might temporarily increase for some individuals following a successful resolution of a crisis; however, it does not encompass the broader emotional impact typically felt after a crisis.