PSS Crisis Intervention and De-escalation 5

Question 1

A peer specialist supporting someone in crisis begins to feel overwhelmed and triggered by the person's story. The appropriate action is to:

Accepted Answer

Recognize the trigger, practice self-regulation, and seek supervision or handoff if needed

Answer

Self-awareness and self-regulation are ethical responsibilities; a peer specialist who is triggered must manage their own state and use supervision or handoff protocols to ensure quality care.

Question 2

Which of the following is an evidence-based approach specifically designed for de-escalating a person experiencing psychosis?

Accepted Answer

Avoiding argument about content of psychosis while connecting on feelings and safety

Answer

When someone is experiencing psychosis, engaging with the emotional content — rather than arguing about the beliefs — is more effective and less likely to escalate.

Question 3

In a crisis support context, 'unconditional positive regard' means:

Accepted Answer

Accepting the person without judgment regardless of their behavior or beliefs

Answer

Unconditional positive regard, from Carl Rogers, means accepting the whole person without judgment, which is foundational to trust-building in crisis support.

Question 4

A person in crisis becomes calmer after 20 minutes of talking with a peer specialist. Which of the following is the most important thing to do BEFORE ending the conversation?

Accepted Answer

Co-create a concrete follow-up plan including who to contact if distress returns

Answer

Creating a concrete follow-up plan before ending a crisis conversation reduces the risk of deterioration once the support is withdrawn.

Question 5

Which of the following is a warning sign that crisis intervention may require immediate escalation to emergency services?

Accepted Answer

The person discloses a specific plan and means to harm themselves

Answer

A specific plan with identified means for self-harm represents imminent risk and requires immediate escalation to emergency services.

(PSS) Certified Peer Support Specialist Practice Test

(PSS) Certified Peer Support Specialist Practice Test

PSS Crisis Intervention and De-escalation 5