Which type of crisis results from an unexpected external event?

The correct response highlights that a crisis stemming from an unexpected external event is classified as a situational crisis. Situational crises arise from specific events that disrupt an individual’s normal functioning and can include emergencies such as natural disasters, accidents, job loss, or sudden illnesses. They are characterized by their unpredictability and the immediate need for individuals to adapt to new realities.

In contrast, maturational crises are developmentally related and occur during life transitions that are anticipated, such as graduating from school or becoming a parent. These crises are part of growth and typically occur at specific stages of life.

Adventitious crises include those that occur from events that are not part of the usual developmental process and are often larger-scale events affecting multiple individuals, such as community disasters or acts of violence. However, these crises are still distinct from situational crises because they often have broader implications for groups rather than the individual.

Therefore, situational crises are defined by their unexpected nature and immediate impact on the individual’s life, making this classification the most appropriate for the question asked.