[00:00:00] Do you think that labels we use to describe people matter? Psychologists and counselors would say yes. They know that the labels we use can shape how we see people and treat them. Researchers examine whether labels like schizophrenic versus person with schizophrenia affect even counselors levels of tolerance toward people with schizophrenia. Participants included 251 practicing counselors and counselors in training who took a survey focusing on their attitudes toward people with schizophrenia. Half received a survey version using the term schizophrenic, while the other half received person with schizophrenia. Participants who saw schizophrenic showed more authoritarian, socially restrictive, and less caring attitudes. The terminology influenced both practicing counselors and students, but it had a stronger impact on practicing counselors. The researchers recommend eliminating shorthand terms like schizophrenic from daily use instead, say the entire phrase person with schizophrenia. They believe that this can improve interactions with clients. By removing this label, counselors may become less authoritarian, less restrictive, and more compassionate in their approach with clients who have schizophrenia. Everyone let's remember that words have power. The words we choose are more important than we might think, both inside and outside of the therapy room.
