Why is it important to avoid asking leading questions when assessing an individual in distress?

It's important to avoid asking leading questions when assessing an individual in distress because they can skew the information you gather and prevent you from getting an accurate understanding of their situation. A leading question is phrased in a way that prompts the individual to give a specific answer, even if that's not their genuine experience. This can happen unintentionally, but it undermines the goal of getting an honest and unbiased assessment. Firstly, leading questions can introduce bias. If you suggest an answer, the person might feel pressured to agree, even if it doesn't reflect their true feelings or thoughts. For example, instead of asking 'You're not thinking of hurting yourself, are you?', which implies you don't want them to be suicidal, it's better to ask 'Have you been having thoughts of hurting yourself?'. The latter is open and allows them to answer honestly without feeling judged. Secondly, leading questions can distort their perception. They may start to believe the suggested answer, even if it wasn't their initial feeling. This is particularly problematic when assessing sensitive issues like suicidal ideation or trauma. Thirdly, leading questions can damage rapport and trust. The person might feel that you're not genuinely interested in their perspective and are just trying to confirm your own assumptions. This can make them less likely to open up and share their true feelings. Finally, leading questions can prevent you from gathering critical information. By steering the conversation towards a specific answer, you might miss other important details that the individual would have shared if given the opportunity. Therefore, it's crucial to use open-ended questions that allow the individual to express themselves freely and honestly, providing you with a more accurate and complete picture of their distress.