What is the primary purpose of Psychological First Aid?

What is the primary purpose of Psychological First Aid?

• A. To Reduce Initial Distress and Foster Short- and Long-Term Adaptive Functioning
• B. To Replace Formal Therapy
• C. To Provide Medical Triage
• D. To Collect Incident Data

Answer: (A)

Psychological First Aid aims to reduce initial distress and support short- and long-term adaptive functioning after a crisis. It provides a calm, nonjudgmental presence, practical assistance, and information to help people meet basic needs, regain a sense of safety, and connect with social supports and follow-up care if needed. This approach emphasizes coping and resilience in the immediate aftermath rather than delivering therapy or medical treatment. It is not a substitute for formal mental health care, nor does it function as medical triage or primarily collect incident data.

Psychological First Aid aims to reduce initial distress and support short- and long-term adaptive functioning after a crisis. It provides a calm, nonjudgmental presence, practical assistance, and information to help people meet basic needs, regain a sense of safety, and connect with social supports and follow-up care if needed. This approach emphasizes coping and resilience in the immediate aftermath rather than delivering therapy or medical treatment. It is not a substitute for formal mental health care, nor does it function as medical triage or primarily collect incident data.