The Extent of Practicing the Psychological First Aid (PFA) Skills among Counselors Working with Refugees

Abstract

The current study aimed to identify the extent of practicing psychological first aid (PFA) skills among counselors working with refugees. A scale was built by the researchers to collect data from )122( participants. The main findings showed that the level of (PFA) skills was very high in general, as well as the sub-dimensions: (of effective communication and social support), but the dimension of )guiding and practical assistance( appeared high. The results also indicated no statistically significant differences due to the variable of scientific degree (Bachelor, Master, or Ph.D.), while it indicated statistically significant differences attributed to the variables of gender in favor of males, also on the duration of experience in favor of counselors from the experience more than 10 years. The researchers recommended intensifying )PFA( training for junior counselors, as well as integrating them with field experience to refine psychological first-aid skills in an applied manner.