The study highlights that the images of psychologists and patients are socially co-constructed through implicit contextual premises. These premises, often unspoken, shape the stereotypes and stigmas associated with mental health. By identifying and understanding these premises, practitioners can challenge and change the negative perceptions that hinder effective therapy.
Key Findings
- Implicit Premises and Stigmatization: The study found that implicit contextual premises play a significant role in constructing stigmatizing framings around the images of psychologists and patients. These premises are more pronounced in defined institutional contexts like university websites compared to informal contexts like online forums.
- Institutional vs. Individual Premises: In institutional contexts, group premises dominate, presenting a homogeneous and often positive image of psychologists. In contrast, informal contexts reveal more heterogeneous and individual premises, often leading to varied and sometimes negative stereotypes.
- Impact of Defined Contexts: University websites tend to portray psychologists as professionals who promote psychological well-being across various fields. However, lay people's perceptions, as revealed in surveys and forums, often reduce psychologists to advice-givers, undermining the patient's agency.
Practical Applications for Practitioners
Practitioners can utilize these findings to improve their therapeutic approach and outcomes, especially when working with children in schools. Here are some actionable steps:
1. Challenge Implicit Premises
Identify and challenge the implicit premises that clients and their families may hold about psychologists and therapy. For example, if a parent views a psychologist merely as an advice-giver, educate them on the broader role of psychologists in promoting mental well-being and personal growth.
2. Promote Positive Images
In institutional settings like schools, work towards promoting a positive and comprehensive image of psychologists. Highlight the various roles they play beyond addressing distress, such as enhancing well-being and supporting educational and social development.
3. Foster Agency in Clients
Encourage children and their families to take an active role in the therapeutic process. Emphasize that therapy is a collaborative effort aimed at empowering clients rather than simply providing solutions.
4. Educate on the Diversity of Psychological Services
Clarify the differences between psychologists, psychotherapists, and other mental health professionals. This can help reduce confusion and stigma, making it easier for clients to seek the appropriate help.
5. Address and Reduce Stigma
Work on reducing the stigma associated with mental health by openly discussing and debunking common stereotypes. Use evidence-based information to educate clients and the community about the realities of mental health and therapy.
By implementing these strategies, practitioners can create a more supportive and effective therapeutic environment for children, helping them achieve better outcomes.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Social construction of the image of the psychologist and of the patient: the role of implicit premises.
