Hedges in Doctor-Patient Conversation in Depression Patients.

ABSTRACT

Objective: In doctor-patient communication, hedges play an important pragmatic function. However, inappropriate use of hedges can also bring about negative effects such as insufficient information and misunderstandings, which in turn affect the diagnosis and treatment. This study examines the use of hedges in doctor-patient conversations with depression, focusing on the negative effects of misused hedges and their elimination. Method: Based on the transcriptions of five authentic doctor-patient conversations with depression between July 2022 and January 2023, the study statistically analyzes the use of hedges in conversations, including the types, pragmatic functions, and elimination of negative pragmatics. Result: The use of hedges is common and performs positive pragmatic functions in the communication between doctors and depression patients. However, misused hedges by both doctors and patients produce negative effects such as communication barriers, comprehension delays, misinterpretations, and distrust. These negative effects can be eliminated through the self or others and with the help of linguistic means. Conclusion: The use of hedges in depression-related doctor-patient conversations is delicate. Proper use of hedges can facilitate smooth and effective communication during medical consultations, acting as a lubricant in the process while misuse can impede information exchange, resulting in unclear intentions and hindering the progress of the conversation. When improper use of hedges occurs, both doctors and patients can take measures to clarify, probe, or directly eliminate the fuzziness.