| Abstract: | An overuse of psychological jargon is potentially harmful in 4 ways; it can (a) distort truth and understanding, (b) provide a means for avoiding responsibility, (c) foster the development of an elitist class, and (d) lead to the denigration of psychology as a profession. Examples of jargon are given that are redundant, obscure, or distortive or that permit a semblence of conversation to occur with no real exchange of information. It is suggested that psychologists (a) use the clearest language available, (b) be aware of others' use of jargon, and (c) help clients to communicate better by pointing out jargon and helping them select words that express what they really feel. (10 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
