Language: A Powerful Tool in Promoting Healthy Behaviors

Words have the capacity to empower or devastate someone. Although a “rose by any other name” may “still be a rose,” if language is not precise and thoughtful in taking into consideration perceptions, values, biases, and culture of people, it may influence the patient, thereby potentially leading to...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine 2019-07, Vol.13 (4), p.359-361
Main Author: Srivastava, Sneha Baxi
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Pharmacy Review
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Summary:Words have the capacity to empower or devastate someone. Although a “rose by any other name” may “still be a rose,” if language is not precise and thoughtful in taking into consideration perceptions, values, biases, and culture of people, it may influence the patient, thereby potentially leading to negative patient outcomes. Health promotion interventions include teaching and empowering people to embrace the components of lifestyle medicine utilizing a variety of approaches. An essential part of the intervention is how the message is delivered, specifically the language used to deliver the message. In this article, the implications of language on patient outcomes and suggestions on how to rephrase language with potential negative connotations are described.
ISSN:1559-8276
1559-8284
DOI:10.1177/1559827619839995