True or False: A peer supporter must never use closed-ended questions.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Sometimes
• D. Not sure

Answer: (B)

Questioning style in peer support is flexible and situational. Closed-ended questions are not banned or dangerous; they’re useful when you need a clear, quick answer or to verify essential information, such as safety, medication status, or concrete details about a situation. While open-ended questions help someone share feelings and experiences, relying only on them can miss urgent details or slow things down. Use a mix: begin with open-ended prompts to invite discussion and then use concise closed-ended questions to confirm specifics or assess safety. For example, you might explore with, “What’s been happening for you lately?” and then check safety with, “Are you currently safe right now?” If you’re in a crisis or need a clear yes/no answer, a closed-ended question can be appropriate and necessary. So, saying never use closed-ended questions isn’t correct.