Which of the following exemplifies a permission question?

• A. Validation
• B. Open-ended Question
• C. Permission Question
• D. Directive

Answer: (C)

Permission questions are about asking for consent before moving forward with a topic or action in a conversation. They protect the person’s autonomy and create a sense of safety in peer support by not assuming they want to discuss something or accept help. The best example is one that clearly asks the person to confirm they’re okay with talking about a topic or with proceeding with a request, such as asking, “Would you like to talk about what’s been bothering you?” or “Is it okay if I ask you a few questions about your day?”

Validation would focus on recognizing and affirming feelings rather than seeking consent. Open-ended questions invite more information but don’t necessarily require permission to continue. A directive tells someone what to do and bypasses consent. In Rhode Island CPS practice, using permission questions supports self-direction and collaborative relationships.