Psychological First Aid Flashcards

What is the primary goal of Psychological First Aid (PFA)?

Answer: Reduce initial distress and foster adaptive functioning

PFA aims to reduce initial distress and support short- and long-term adaptive functioning, not to diagnose or provide formal therapy.

PFA is best characterized as which type of approach?

Answer: An evidence-informed and flexible supportive model

PFA is described as 'evidence-informed' because it is grounded in resilience research but is flexible in real-world application.

Which of the following is NOT one of the eight core actions of PFA?

Answer: Psychological Debriefing

Psychological debriefing is not part of PFA; PFA specifically avoids requiring survivors to recount traumatic details.

In PFA, the 'Contact and Engagement' action is best accomplished by:

Answer: Introducing yourself and asking permission before speaking with the survivor

Respectful, non-intrusive contact begins with a calm introduction and seeking permission, preserving survivor autonomy and trust.

The 'Safety and Comfort' component of PFA is best addressed by:

Answer: Providing accurate information about the situation and available help

Providing accurate information reduces uncertainty and restores a sense of safety and comfort in survivors.

PFA is designed to be delivered during which timeframe following a traumatic event?

Answer: In the immediate aftermath and during the early recovery phase

PFA is designed for the immediate aftermath and early recovery period, reflecting the 'first aid' concept of timely support.

How does PFA differ from Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD)?

Answer: PFA avoids forcing emotional processing while CISD requires structured retelling

PFA does not require survivors to narrate trauma, whereas CISD uses a structured group protocol involving emotional processing and retelling.