‘The power of words — The importance of using psychologically informed language…’
06.11.2020: When reflecting on the past week as the Lead for Psychologically Informed Environments (PIE) at the national youth homeless charity: Centrepoint, I have been thinking a lot about the power of words and language. In the UK, we are now in a second national ‘lock-down’ as COVID-19 cases have increased significantly with the onset of colder weather and the previous relaxing of lock-down measures over the summer. Indeed, my own children have been back home schooling this week, after our local school has temporarily closed again. For many of us, words such as ‘lock-down’ and ‘second wave’ or even ‘home-schooling’(!), have many negative associations that impact on our psychological well-being as we think about what this means for us, our families and friends, and our work colleagues based on our recent experiences of the first lock-down. Consequently, we may be experiencing a natural reaction of sadness, frustration and anxiety as we prepare for the next few weeks and months, and the ongoing daily challenges we face whether we are continuing to work on the ‘frontline’ or in a ‘support’ role within the organisation.
Moreover, in the wider world this week, we are seeing the power of language to divide or heal. For example, the language being used by the current President of the USA on social media platforms such as Twitter, can arguably be seen as ‘inciting’ unrest and distrust in democracy or even be considered ‘false’. We have also previously seen the power of language to ‘other’ minority populations (e.g. immigrants) both in the USA and here in the UK, and how certain rhetoric can be used to shame, punish, segregate or dismiss the rights of some individuals. Conversely, using calming or inclusive language can have the power to heal or restore. For example, politicians who call for unity or patience with the democratic process in the USA at the current time, in order to try to reduce any potential for future civil unrest. Even in our homeless sector, the language used to describe those young people who are forced to ‘rough sleep’ or ‘sofa surf’ or are described as ‘intentionally homeless’ can carry with it stigma or even blame that can impact on access to housing or resources. Consequently, the way we use language matters, our words have ‘power’.
Psychologists have long argued that language is critical for our construction or perception of the world around us, as well as how we view others and ourselves. In other words, the language we use (whether that it how we think or speak) can create our reality. As Hayes (2000) argues, ‘language possesses the exclusive capability to shape the learning and behaviour of its users’. Moreover, Gross (2013) notes that the language people speak greatly influences their mind, behaviour and even their economic achievements as well as the decisions they make. Other psychologists note that language not only reflects our psychological state, but also reveals a great deal about our social and cultural world (Zlatey & Blomberg, 2015). Language pervades and governs our social life and it is not only how we transmit our cultural knowledge but also how we gain access to the contents of others’ minds (Krauss & Chiu, 1998). Language is therefore at the core of attitudes, social perception, personal identity, social interaction, intergroup bias, stereotypes and attributions of each other (Krauss & Chiu, 1998).
Language is therefore critical in moulding our thoughts, feelings and behaviours. As Cognitive Behaviour (CBT) therapists’ note (and use to positive effect in therapeutic interventions), our thoughts determine our feelings and then subsequently our behaviours. If we think of something positive, then we will feel happier and are more likely to behave in ways in line with this. If we think we are ‘worthless’, then we will feel low in mood and are likely to lack motivation to make changes. Hossain (2017) also argues that language can grow us as individuals, if unrestricted then it can help us widen our notions about issues around us (i.e. becoming more ‘open minded’), but if limited then it can hinder the flourishing of ideas and information. This can be shown in the famous dystopian novel of George Orwell (i.e. 1984), wherein language (e.g. ‘double speak’) becomes so powerfully manipulated that it changes human thoughts and attains complete control over people’s minds. Whilst ‘1984’ is only a novel, arguably our own media or propaganda has the power to do this in reality within our current society.
So if words and language are so powerful, to heal or to hurt, or to modify the way we think about and view the world, it is therefore critical that we use our words carefully and consider or reflect on what we say and how we say it. Consequently, it is important for our language to be ‘psychologically informed’, which means having an awareness of our well-being and that of those around us when we communicate. How do we therefore speak with our friends, family, work colleagues or the homeless young people we support at the moment? Are we being mindful about the words we use and the impact they may be having on the listener or reader, if written. When we provide feedback, is that constructive or critical? When we use ‘labels’ or terms (e.g. ‘Personality Disorder’, ‘lazy’, ‘rude’) about another person, what might be the unintended consequences of these to those we apply them to? Does our language come from a place of kindness and compassion, or a place of frustration and anger? We can control how we use our words, and therefore it is important that we use language carefully, especially at the moment when our human contact is somewhat reduced due to the global pandemic and thus, our words or language perhaps carry extra weight?
Person centred counselling approaches (e.g. Rogers, 1959) argue that our language and response to others should be non-judgemental, empathic and given with unconditional positive regard to those we are listening and speaking with. I think therefore, that when considering being psychologically informed in our communication with others, that this is a good place to start. We may never know what is going on in another’s world, what they are bringing to the conversation with us, especially at the moment with all the challenges that many of us face during the COVID-19 pandemic. We may not know of the personal grief of another, the challenges they face in juggling multiple roles, or the uncertainty and anxiety they are experiencing in these ‘unprecedented times’. However, if we start from a place of empathy, openness and positivity, then our responses and language will reflect this.
Sometimes, it is also key to think about how we can ‘reframe’ our language or responses. In our PIE framework within Centrepoint for example, we are utilising Attachment Theory (c.f. Bowlby, 1967) to focus on the importance of our relationships with others, and how our early experiences can influence our later behaviour. Consequently, we are aiming to take a more ‘trauma-informed’ approach to how we interact with others, especially the homeless young people that we are supporting in Centrepoint. This is important not only in our actions, but also in the language we use, which of course as noted above can influence our subsequent emotional and behavioural responses. Specifically, a shift from more ‘traditional’ language to a trauma-informed description of vulnerable individuals can create compassion instead of blame, hope instead of hopelessness and connection rather than disconnection. For example, when we say ‘she is attention seeking’, perhaps what is really happening is ‘she is attachment seeking’. Or when we say ‘he is not engaging’, perhaps it is more that ‘he doesn’t feel safe to engage yet’, and when we use the term ‘challenging behaviour’ it might be more helpful to consider why this is happening and how this might be ‘understandable behaviour’ in that person’s individual context.
A psychologically informed environment or PIE, considers a psychological framework to understand the homeless young people we are working with, and thus make positive changes to the support we offer. Using such an approach therefore demands we consider our language and ensure that we reflect and consider the impact of this on those around us. As Keats et al (2012) argue in their Good Practice Guide (c.f. https://eprints.soton.ac.uk/340022/1/Good%2520practice%2520guide%2520-%2520%2520Psychologically%2520informed%2520services%2520for%2520homeless%2520people%2520.pdf), a key part of the approach is to ‘enable clients to feel that their problems are recognised and that they are being heard’ (p.6). Therefore, the language we use is critical in order to communicate this recognition and understanding, and as a psychologist, I have had to learn the importance of ensuring how I communicate with others is understandable, clear and inclusive.
Within Centrepoint at the moment, PIE is influencing our HOMES (Housing Operational Model: Environments & Support) project, wherein we are looking at many aspects of our policies, procedures and processes in order to ensure that they are psychologically informed, including this week examining the role of the Keyworker. This is a critical role in the organisation, through which relationships with homeless young people are built in order to create positive change. Ensuring therefore that the language we use to describe this role, and to empower those carrying it out, is psychologically informed is not only important, but also arguably essential, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in Support & Housing to define and promote this role appropriately.
Finally, because of the power of language and words, there is also a responsibility to ensure that for those of us in any relative positions of power, we ensure that it is not only our words that are ‘heard’. Rather, we need to ensure that we are not the only ones whose ‘voices’ contribute to the discussion, or drive the construction of reality for ourselves and others. This is why PIE argues for the use of ‘co-production’, especially with those that work or live within our frontline services, or come from groups more typically maligned (e.g. Black, Asian & Minority Ethic Groups: BAME, those with disabilities or from marginalised groups such as LGBTQ+). Often these are the voices least heard or most easily dismissed, yet we know these groups are significantly overrepresented in homeless services both as workers and clients. Consequently, giving space to hear the words of others especially those on the ‘frontline’ right now as we enter a new phase of lockdown, is not just important but essential if we are to truly bring about psychologically informed changes to our practice to the benefit of all…
