What is a key focus of support during the Defensive behavior level?

During the Defensive behavior level, the primary focus is on utilizing verbal strategies to help de-escalate the situation. At this stage, individuals may exhibit heightened emotions or defensiveness, making it crucial to engage them through effective communication. The goal is to prevent the situation from escalating further by employing calm, supportive language and active listening. This approach helps to validate the individual's feelings and promotes a sense of safety, which can reduce tension and facilitate a more constructive interaction.

Using verbal strategies effectively can create a space for dialogue and understanding, allowing the individual to express concerns or frustrations. This technique not only aids in de-escalation but also helps to build rapport, keeping the interaction respectful and focused on solutions. In contrast, options that involve minimizing emotional responses or pushing for compliance do not directly address the needs of a person in a defensively state, where acknowledgment of feelings and a collaborative approach are more beneficial. Watching for aggressive tendencies can indeed be important, but it is not the primary focus aimed at de-escalation in this context.