2007 August - Spiral phase model

Spiral phase model..:

after

Erika Schuchardt

Her model is about crisis cope being a training process in eight spiral phases. This applies not just to Multiple Sclerosis, and other illnesses, but crisis in general. The specific thing about it is, that the phases aren't final but can turn into the next phase. It's also possible that the phases don't take the place of each other, but exist side by side.

The phases are as follows:

Spiral phase 1: uncertainty

The crisis trigger is a deep shock for the affected person, which can destroy an orderly life. The affected person is in panic, and tries to repress the problem, because he can't handle it.

Spiral phase 2: certainty

In this phase the affected ones are capable of noticing the truth, but they go on living with the hope that everything will have the best outcome. This being split is a basic characteristic of this phase.

Spiral phase 3: aggression

Now severe emotional outbursts are possible, because the affected ones begin to notice the problem to all of its extent, it goes into their consciousness. The person is very shattered and can't understand why explicitly she is affected. In this pain the person can be very hurtful against itself and others, because she is trying to cope with the pain.

Spiral phase 4: negotiation

In this situation the affected one tries with all of his power to escape out of this great distress, through using all of his possibilities (e.g. consultation of many doctors, healers, pilgrimages, and sermons). This is an emotional phase, which you can't influence, it is the last spark of hope for the affected one.

Spiral phase 5: depression

In this phase the affected person notices that the situation is definite. She is deeply depressed and nothing makes sense to her anymore. She recognizes the loss emotionally and rationally, and this means automatically the giving up of illusions about it. This mourning process is the preliminary stage for the acceptance of the situation.

Spiral phase 6: acceptance

The affected has suffered all fighting phases, and is relieved of denial, aggression, negotiation, and depression. At this very moment he comes to the conclusion, and tries to accept the situation, the problems and characteristics.

Spiral phase 7: activity

Through the acceptance of the problem powers are released, which came out so far as denial, aggression, negotiation, and depression. The affected one learns now to live with her special situation; she tries to make the best of it. She has to acknowledge that her problem is a livelong problem, which can't be solved in the usual meaning of it, but with a solution she will have to learn to live with.

Spiral phase 8: solidarity

After the affected one has lived through all the spiral phases, he will eventually (with proper guidance) be eager to help society and other affected people, he will be able to reach something in a group. This unified action shows, that the crisis management was successful; unfortunately very few people reach this level. It is important for the individual to come to the understanding, that one can't live with resistance in front of the problem, but with approval and acceptance. This can be experienced by the individual as luck or meaning in life.

Translated from German into English © Regina E. 2007