What method is effective for assessing immediate needs in PFA?

Using open-ended questions to assess immediate needs in Psychological First Aid (PFA) is effective because they encourage individuals to share their thoughts and feelings in their own words. This approach allows the person seeking help to express their unique experiences, concerns, and priorities without being confined to predefined answers. Open-ended questions create a space for open dialogue, which can lead to a deeper understanding of the individual's situation, thereby enabling responders to tailor their support and interventions more effectively.

Additionally, this method fosters a sense of empowerment and validation for the individual, as it shows that their perspective is valued and taken into account. In contrast, closed-ended questions limit responses and can hinder the discovery of crucial information, while ignoring expressed feelings or making assumptions based on past experiences can alienate the person and minimize the relevance of the support provided.