The uses and abuses of psychodiagnostic terms in family court cases: Beyond labels to the humanity beneath
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Psychodiagnostic labels abound in family court, whether they are used colloquially by the parties to attack each other, or formally by professionals who are trying to help. We examine the history of these diagnostic terms, including ways they are useful and ways they cause problems. After exploring how psychodiagnostic labeling systems are limited and evolving to become more dimensional, we highlight the legal rights of people with mental health problems to showhow labels can inadvertently lead to discrimination. We conclude by sharing tools to help divorce practitioners overcome the biased assumptions often wrapped up in diagnostic language.
Source: Family Court Review
DOI: 10.1111/fcre.12851
Authors: Donald T. Saposnek, Dan Berstein
Language: English
Topic: Psychology and Mental Health
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4409378167