CPE Crisis Intervention and Support Flashcards

What is 'psychological first aid' in the context of peer education?

Answer: An evidence-informed approach to support people after a distressing event

Psychological first aid is a non-clinical, evidence-informed set of supportive actions used to help people in the immediate aftermath of a crisis.

During a campus crisis (e.g., a violent incident), peer educators should:

Answer: Follow the institution's emergency response plan and defer to authorities

Peer educators are part of a larger emergency response system and must follow institutional protocols, deferring leadership to trained emergency personnel.

Which of the following is an example of secondary traumatic stress for a peer educator?

Answer: Experiencing emotional distress after repeatedly hearing peers' trauma stories

Secondary traumatic stress occurs when a helper is emotionally affected by exposure to others' traumatic experiences, which is a recognized risk for peer educators.

Self-care planning is considered essential for peer educators because:

Answer: It prevents burnout and maintains the educator's capacity to effectively support others

Regular self-care preserves the emotional and psychological health of peer educators, enabling them to continue providing effective support.

When a peer educator suspects a friend is struggling with substance abuse, the best first step is to:

Answer: Have a private, non-judgmental conversation using 'I' statements

A private, empathetic conversation using 'I' statements avoids defensiveness and opens the door for the peer to seek help voluntarily.

The term 'gatekeeping' in peer crisis support means:

Answer: Identifying individuals at risk and connecting them to help

In mental health contexts, gatekeeping refers to recognizing warning signs and acting as the entry point that directs at-risk individuals toward professional care.