Why language matters: A qualitative inquiry into the implications of language used during provider-patient interactions on university students’ perceptions and understandings of their own mental health

Language surrounding mental health has often been utilised as a mechanism to perpetuate and normalise stigma. The associated connotations of prejudice can deter individuals from accessing critical support; particularly true when stigmatised attitudes are unearthed within clinical settings. There are very few studies investigating the use of language and communication within the clinical context. This paper investigates implications of language used during provider-patient interactions in shaping patients’ understandings of their mental health. Semi-structured, online interviews were conducted with ten university students who had previously obtained either treatment or diagnoses of a mental health issue. Interview questions investigated their experiences of accessing support, existing perceptions of mental health, and specific language and labelling used during clinical communication. Interpretative phenomenological analysis identified core themes: negative interpretations of language, interaction with diagnostic labels, and formation of provider-patient relationships. Results demonstrate the potential for language within clinical interactions to cause affliction. While labels acted as consolation for a portion of participants, for others, labels surfaced feelings of shame, suggesting internalisation of stereotyped attitudes. Finally, lack of patient-clinician relationship was deemed a deterrent for continuation of mental health support. This study evidences the capacity of clinical language to mechanise the internalisation of stigma.