Research Article

On the Tyranny of Professional Labelling

  1. James Horley*

Article first published online: 26 APR 2011

DOI: 10.1002/ppi.244

Issue

Psychotherapy and Politics International

Psychotherapy and Politics International

Volume 9, Issue 2, pages 127–133, June 2011

Additional Information

How to Cite

Horley, J. (2011), On the Tyranny of Professional Labelling. Psychother. Politics Int., 9: 127–133. doi: 10.1002/ppi.244

Author Information

  1. University of Alberta

*James Horley, Department of Social Sciences, Program in Crime and Community, Augustana Faculty, University of Alberta, Camrose, Alberta, Canada T4V 2R3.
E-mail: jhorley@ualberta.ca

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 23 MAY 2011
  2. Article first published online: 26 APR 2011

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Keywords:

  • iatrogenesis;
  • labelling effects;
  • psychodiagnostics;
  • psychopathy

ABSTRACT

The psychodiagnostic labels that mental health professionals apply to their clients can have significant, negative impacts. Clients can suffer serious harm not just through internalization of the construct but through social reaction to the label. The specific construct of psychopathy is used to demonstrate some of the unpleasant albeit unintended effects of professional labelling. A few recommendations to avoid damaging diagnostic labels are provided. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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