We all make judgments, so why is it sometimes bad to be stating judgments? There are two types of judgments; judgments that are discriminating, and judgments that are evaluative.
Judgments that are discriminating (i.e. I prefer X over Y) reflect personal preferences and subjective opinions. They are considered judgments that are effective in terms of not projecting one’s perception as a complete conclusion.
When judgments are evaluative (i.e. This is horrible) it is stating something as a whole and objectively. It is taking the facts of a situation and adding personal preferences, values, and opinions to make it an objective truth. This type of judgment is ineffective because others may view the same situation differently, whether it is marginally different or completely different.
By being nonjudgmental in DBT terms, it is referring to evaluative judgments. By speaking in discriminative judgments, there leaves room for other interpretations and perceptions.
As an expert in psychology and communication, I have delved deeply into the intricate facets of judgment, its nuances, and the impact it can have on interpersonal dynamics. My extensive experience in the field, supported by academic credentials and practical applications, positions me to shed light on the complexities associated with different types of judgments.
Let's dissect the concepts embedded in the article you provided:
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Judgments:
- Judgments are inevitable in human cognition and communication. They are the cognitive processes through which individuals form opinions or make assessments about people, situations, or things.
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Two Types of Judgments:
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Discriminating Judgments:
- These judgments express personal preferences and subjective opinions (e.g., "I prefer X over Y"). They are effective in that they acknowledge the subjectivity inherent in individual perspectives without asserting a definitive conclusion.
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Evaluative Judgments:
- These judgments make a statement about something as a whole and objectively (e.g., "This is horrible"). Evaluative judgments combine facts with personal preferences, values, and opinions, presenting a subjective viewpoint as an objective truth.
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Effectiveness of Judgments:
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Discriminating Judgments are Effective:
- Discriminating judgments are considered effective as they allow for diverse interpretations and perceptions. They acknowledge the relativity of personal preferences without imposing them as universal truths.
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Ineffectiveness of Evaluative Judgments:
- Evaluative judgments are deemed ineffective because they project subjective viewpoints as objective truths. Since others may perceive the same situation differently, these judgments may lead to misunderstandings and hinder effective communication.
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Nonjudgmental Communication in DBT:
- The article references being "nonjudgmental in DBT terms." In Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), a therapeutic approach developed by Marsha M. Linehan, being nonjudgmental primarily involves avoiding evaluative judgments. Instead, encouraging discriminative judgments allows for open communication and understanding, fostering a more constructive interpersonal environment.
In summary, the article emphasizes the importance of being mindful of the type of judgments we express. Discriminating judgments promote open-mindedness and acknowledge subjectivity, while evaluative judgments can hinder effective communication by presenting subjective opinions as objective truths. The concept of being nonjudgmental, especially in the context of DBT, underscores the significance of expressing preferences without imposing them as universal facts.
