Describes the rationale, methodology, and scope of a new form of psychotherapy, Verbal Satiation Therapy, based on assumption that language symbols stand for real objects and events. Verbal symbols may produce emotional responses normally associated with the objects themselves. Verbal Satiation Therapy attempts to reduce the emotional component of…

Results of an experiment to test predictions derived from balance theory about social influence and communication within a psychological treatment situation indicated that subjects changed their meanings of words when such changes were advocated by the counselors, and reported increased confidence when they apparently agreed with the counselors…

Based on part of the author's unpublished doctoral dissertation, Arizona State University, 1967.