Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Practice Exam

Which of the following questions aligns with a trauma-informed approach?

1. What is wrong with you?

2. Why can't you cope?

3. What happened to you?

4. How can you improve?

The correct answer is: What happened to you?

The choice of the question "What happened to you?" aligns with a trauma-informed approach because it emphasizes understanding the individual’s experiences and the impact those experiences have had on their current state of being. This type of questioning is focused on the context of an individual’s trauma rather than placing blame or suggesting deficiencies. Trauma-informed care recognizes that many individuals have faced significant hardships and that their behaviors and responses may be influenced by those past traumas. By asking "What happened to you?", the question invites the individual to share their story in a safe and supportive environment, promoting healing and validation of their experiences. The other questions focus more on perceived deficits or failures rather than understanding the individual’s context. For instance, asking "What is wrong with you?" implies blame and pathologizes the individual’s experiences. Similarly, "Why can't you cope?" suggests that the person is at fault for their difficulties, which can further exacerbate feelings of shame or inadequacy, rather than fostering an understanding of their challenges. Finally, "How can you improve?" may overlook the importance of exploring the root causes of the individual’s current situation by offering solutions prematurely without first addressing their underlying trauma.