What effect can labeling have in psychology?

Labeling can have significant effects in psychology by contributing to both stigma and self-fulfilling prophecies. When individuals are labeled—whether it's a diagnosis of a mental health condition, a classification of behavior, or any other type of categorization—it can shape how they view themselves and how others perceive them.

Stigma arises when societal attitudes are negative towards those with specific labels, leading to discrimination and social exclusion. This can exacerbate the individual's issues, as they may internalize these negative perceptions, resulting in a lower self-esteem or reluctance to seek help.

Additionally, the concept of self-fulfilling prophecy explains how individuals may begin to behave in ways that align with the expectations set by their labels. For instance, someone labeled as "depressed" might begin to fulfill that label by withdrawing from activities, thus perpetuating their depression.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately capture the complexities of labeling in psychology. While it might enhance positive self-view in some cases, this is not universally true. Labeling does not automatically improve outcomes in therapy, as the context and the individual's response to the label matter. Lastly, labeling is highly relevant to psychological assessment, as it informs diagnosis and treatment but carries significant implications that can