"Pacification" as a technique of social control has a negative effect because of its destructive or disintegrative impact on behaviors of individuals in social or problem-solving situations. "Pacification" uses communication techniques which discount some aspect of the problem-solving process: the problem itself, its significance, chances of reaching a solution, or abilities of the group to solve the problem. Pacification is based primarily on "grandiosity," the exaggeration of a problem to make it too big to be solved by the group. Techniques of pacification include use of abstract language, generalizations, stereotyped language, cliches, or proverbs. Situations are pacified when individuals use questions to make assertions, respond to a question or statement other than the one posed, or define the source of a problem to be outside the subject or situation. Through the use of pacification techniques, an individual can interfere with social interaction and interpersonal communication and thus block the functioning of problem-solving processes. (RN)