Problems in communicating psychological understanding: Why won't they listen to mep.

Abstract

This article proposes a systematic way of thinking about communication problems between providers and consumers of psychological information.The specific focus is on the assessment situation, but the article -also emphasizes the applicability of the principles and issues discussed to nonclinical areas. In particular, this article views problems in 'communication as diagnostic issues to be understood rather than as unfortunate irritants. Such difficulties can be due to the dynamics of the client (be it a person, an organization, or a segment of the public), differences in training and viewpoint between provider and consumer, and confusion and mistaken assumptions about the role of the psychologist. The article stresses the special importance for the psychologist to include as part of his or her task an internal re-creation of both the client's and the consumer-colleague's inner experience. The author gives examples that illustrate how this internal attunement can facilitate better acceptance and implementation of the psychological information.

Consumer-focused psychological assessment.

“…Response 3: Psychologists need to individualize their assessment reports to capture the unique attributes of the client. Shectman (1979) stated that "psychologists should improve their ability to articulate what is right with the patient as well as what is wrong" (p. 786). Tallent (1958) referred to the psychological assessment report that focuses only on a client's negative attributes as the "prosecuting attorney brief" (p. 243).…”

Toward a diagnostic alliance between psychiatrist and psychologist.

“…This pau-city of feedback regarding a demanding and time-consuming job is another source of stress, inspiring the question, "Why don't they listen to me?" (Shectman, 1979).…”

The feedback process with parents in child and adolescent psychological assessment

“…While the problems connected with communicating the results of a psychological assessment to "lay" consumers has not gone unnoticed (Appelbaum, 1970; Berg, 1986; Schectman, 1979), there has been surprisingly little attention devoted to communication of assessment findings other than by a formal diagnostic report. This is ironic, given that recent survey research indicates that a majority of psychologists are willing and interested in providing feedback to their patients (Berndt, 1983), and that this aspect of the assessment process can be quite problematic and require delicate handling in order to enhance the probability of successful outcome.…”