Reality testing and judgment.

Abstract

Both clinical and research efforts will be enhanced when professionals clearly understand the meaning of the terms reality testing and judgment. Until recently, clinicians and writers often failed to differentiate between them and also introduced other similar words and phrases that further diminished the specificity of the term reality testing. After reviewing some recent efforts to clarify the terminology, the author discusses the critical role of sensation as a precursor to perception and cognition, and the interaction of all three elements in the development of reality testing. He concludes with proposals to clarify the clinical applications of the terminology.