Which type of question invites elaboration and reflection?

• A. Yes/No question
• B. Closed-ended question
• C. Open-ended question
• D. Leading question

Answer: (C)

Open-ended questions invite elaboration and reflection because they require the person to describe experiences, feelings, and reasoning in their own words, rather than stopping at a simple yes or no. This type of question creates space for a fuller story, helping you understand what a person is thinking and feeling, how they coped, and what matters to them. In peer support, that depth is essential for building trust and gathering meaningful information about goals, strengths, and challenges.

A yes/No question pushes for a binary response and rarely elicits a detailed explanation. A closed-ended question also limits answers to a short set of options, which can miss nuances. A leading question suggests a preferred answer and can bias the conversation, hindering genuine reflection.