Which approach best promotes self-determination, well-being, resilience, and confidence through communication?

• A. Withhold information to avoid distress.
• B. Provide empathetic, non-judgmental, supportive listening and interactions that promote self-determination, well-being, resilience, and confidence.
• C. Collaborate only with the healthcare team without client input.
• D. Focus on administrative tasks rather than interpersonal communication.

Answer: (B)

Empowering, person-centered communication that is empathetic, non-judgmental, and supportive helps people feel seen, heard, and capable of guiding their care. When you listen actively, reflect feelings, ask open-ended questions, provide information in clear terms, and invite the person to express goals and preferences, you reinforce self-determination by giving them real influence over decisions. This kind of interaction also supports well-being by reducing fear and confusion, builds resilience by helping individuals cope with challenges, and boosts confidence as they experience competence in navigating the system. In contrast, withholding information undermines autonomy and trust, leaving people less able to participate in decisions. Collaborating only with the healthcare team without client input bypasses the person’s values and priorities, and focusing on administrative tasks rather than interpersonal communication neglects the emotional and informational needs that underlie confident decision-making.