CPI Level Two corresponds to which state?

• A. Anxiety
• B. Defensive
• C. Acting Out
• D. Tension Reduction

Answer: (B)

CPI Level Two represents the defensive state, where a person becomes guarded and may challenge staff or resist help. At this level, the focus is on de-escalation through calm, respectful communication, setting clear boundaries, and offering choices to reduce defensiveness without escalating. This best fits Level Two because each CPI level maps to a distinct state of behavior: anxiety corresponds to Level One, acting out to Level Three with more overt risk behavior, and tension reduction to Level Four as the person begins to calm down and recover from heightened arousal. So defensiveness is the state that aligns with Level Two. If helpful, use a calm voice, open posture, reflective listening, and clear, nonjudgmental statements to support the person toward cooperation.