What is the difference between escalation and de-escalation?

• A. Escalation is decreasing force; De-escalation is increasing force.
• B. Escalation is increasing the use of force or resistance; De-escalation is decreasing the use of force or resistance.
• C. Both are the same concept.
• D. Escalation refers only to verbal communication.

Answer: (B)

Escalation and de-escalation describe how an interaction changes in terms of force and resistance. Escalation means the situation moves toward more force or more resistance from the subject—progressing from calm commands toward increased control measures, or from minor resistance to stronger resistance or force. De-escalation aims to reduce both force and resistance by using calm communication, active listening, giving options, time, and distance to lower risk and gain voluntary compliance. The answer is the best fit because it clearly pairs escalation with increasing force or resistance and de-escalation with decreasing them. The other ideas are inaccurate: escalation is not about decreasing force, they are not the same concept, and escalation isn’t limited to verbal communication.