In a recent Introduction to Psychology class that I help facilitate we were discussing psychological disorders. As part of the discussion we talked about the labeling effect of diagnosis.
There are essentially two primary effects of labeling with a diagnosis of a psychological disorder. The first is how others see you, and the second is how you see yourself. After being labeled, others tend to see you and interpret your actions through the lens of the label.
What may not normally be considered abnormal behavior now is viewed as abnormal through this lens. Other people may be quick to interpret behavior a certain way because of the label assigned to the individual. Additionally, after a diagnosis that individual is likely to begin interpreting, and possibly justifying, his behavior differently because of the label he's been given. The label may even become a self-fulfilling prophesy as the individual begins to behave in ways that are expected of him.
As we were discussing this subject, I couldn't help but see the parallels to criminals and the labels assigned to them. These labels include "convicted felon", "violent", "dangerous", "thief", "sex-offender", or even "screw-up". Whatever the label is, it effects both how others view us, and how we view ourselves. When we are labeled, even after serving our time, people are quick to view us through the lens of the label we carry. It's like a modern-day Scarlet Letter, especially for sex offenders who are required to keep their label active through registering, or every felon when he applies for a job.
These labels can become a self-fulfilling prophesy for some as they act in ways that are expected of them, or excuse their behaviors by pointing to their labels, as if the public shouldn't be surprised.
To be fair, criminals often earn the labels they've been given, but just like the goal for treating psychological disorders should be a cure, so for criminals, the goal of rehabilitation should be reintegration as "normal" back into society. Persistent, or even permanent labels can make this a nearly impossible task.
It's time we start talking about how to "de-label" convicted criminals who are willing to put in the work to change. Simply throwing a label on someone and putting them back into society after they've served their time does no one any good.
Just as psychological disorders are assigned a treatment plan with a goal of a cure, so rehabilitation plans should be designed with a goal of reintegration and de-labeling after discharge from parole.
