FREE PSS Crisis Intervention and De-escalation Questions and Answers

Question 1

When approaching a person who is visibly agitated and in crisis, the first and most important priority is to:

Accepted Answer

Assess the situation for everyone's safety.

Answer

Immediately ask them what is wrong.

Answer

Tell them to calm down in a firm voice.

Answer

Find their emergency contact and call them.

Question 2

Which of the following is an effective verbal de-escalation technique?

Accepted Answer

Using a calm tone of voice and validating their feelings.

Answer

Speaking loudly and authoritatively to gain control.

Answer

Interrupting the person to correct their inaccurate statements.

Answer

Telling them their reaction is out of proportion to the problem.

Question 3

In terms of non-verbal communication, what is a key strategy for de-escalation?

Accepted Answer

Allowing for personal space and maintaining an open posture.

Answer

Standing directly in front of the person and making constant eye contact.

Answer

Crossing your arms to show you are serious.

Answer

Tapping your foot to show you are waiting patiently for them to calm down.

Question 4

A peer is in crisis and expresses intense anger. The concept of 'validation' means you should:

Accepted Answer

Acknowledge their feeling of anger without judgment.

Answer

Tell them they have no right to be angry.

Answer

Agree with them that their anger is completely justified.

Answer

Ignore their anger and change the subject.

Question 5

The primary role of a Peer Support Specialist during a crisis is to:

Accepted Answer

Offer support, connection, and help the person feel safe.

Answer

Physically restrain the person if they become agitated.

Answer

Diagnose the underlying cause of the crisis.

Answer

Take charge of the situation and direct the person on what to do.

Question 6

If de-escalation attempts are failing and the situation is becoming more dangerous, the Peer Support Specialist should:

Accepted Answer

Prioritize safety by disengaging and calling for emergency help.

Answer

Try a more forceful approach to de-escalation.

Answer

Leave the person alone to 'cool off'.

Answer

Promise the person anything they want to hear to calm them down.

Question 7

After a crisis has been successfully de-escalated, an important next step is to:

Accepted Answer

Work with the peer to develop a post-crisis or safety plan.

Answer

Avoid talking about the incident to prevent upsetting the person again.

Answer

Insist that the peer immediately enter inpatient treatment.

Answer

Document the incident and have no further contact.