What’s In A Name?

Here is an article calling for a name change of “psychiatry” to “mental health.” The writer’s argument is that too many negatives are associated with the traditional name, while “mental health” carries no similar burden.  He cites similar name changes throughout the world and positive outcomes for having done so.  From a PR perspective, if a name change works, then one should do it but not place too heavy an emphasis on a new moniker.  It is possible that the new title will become tarnished like the old.  If negatives about a name come from the actions the name describes, there is a good chance a new name will eventually become debased.  Or, to put it another way, calling a person a “waste manager” doesn’t change the fact that he is still a garbageman. True PR works to change the underlying attitude.