Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 4, 2026

Treatment Model for Young Patients with Psychogenic Erectile Dysfunction and Resultant Infertility
Published on: May 30, 2025
Effects of conversational versus technical language on treatment preference and integrity
David P Jarmolowicz1, Sung Woo Kahng, Einar T Ingvarsson
1Kennedy Krieger Institute and the University of Maryland Baltimore County, Behavioral Psychology, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
Abstract:
Problem behaviors present a significant challenge for individuals with developmental disabilities and their caregivers. Interventions based on behavioral principles are effective in treating problem behaviors; however, some caregivers have difficulty adhering to treatment recommendations. Treatment adherence may be affected by the technical nature of behavioral terminology. Research suggests that caregivers better understand and are more comfortable with interventions described in conversational language; however, the effects of technical language on treatment implementation are unknown. In the current investigation, implementation of a behavioral treatment was monitored after caregivers were given either a technical or conversational description of the intervention. Implementation was more accurate when the treatment description was written in conversational language, suggesting that clinicians should write behavioral plans in conversational language.
Related Concept Videos
Therapeutic Communication
Verbal communication depends on language or a prescribed way of using words so that people can share information effectively. The critical aspects of verbal...
Barriers to Effective Communication II
Cultural barriers:
Differences in values, beliefs, religion, knowledge, and tradition can significantly impact communication. Awareness of nonverbal cues is critical, especially when conversing with a patient from a different culture. What appears appropriate in one culture may be inappropriate in another.
Semantic barriers:
As a result of their tendency to use...
Techniques of therapeutic communication I: Active Listening, Sharing Observations, Validation, and Using Touch
Therapeutic communication is not the same as social interaction. Social interaction has no goal or purpose and consists of casual information sharing, whereas therapeutic communication has a plan or purpose for the conversation. Therapeutic...
Language and Cognition
Techniques of Therapeutic Communication II: Focusing, Paraphrasing, and Summarizing
This therapeutic technique can also be used when a patient brings up pertinent information during a health-related conversation. The...
Ethical Issues
Ethical Concerns in Healthcare:
