Person-first and identity-first language: Developing psychologists' cultural competence using disability language.

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Disability Studies
• Linguistics

Background:

• The American Psychological Association (APA) recommends person-first language for individuals with disabilities.
• Disability advocates and scholars propose identity-first language, challenging exclusive person-first use.
• Disability language reflects evolving models of understanding disability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the evolution of disability language.
• To analyze the rationale behind person-first and identity-first language.
• To advocate for the judicious use of both language styles in psychology.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of disability language evolution.
• Analysis of disability models and their linguistic implications.
• Discussion of challenges and benefits of person-first and identity-first language.

Main Results:

• Person-first language is linked to specific disability models, while identity-first language has emerged from disability culture.
• Both language styles present unique challenges and serve distinct purposes.
• Adopting both can enhance psychologists' cultural competence.

Conclusions:

• Psychologists should integrate identity-first language alongside person-first constructions.
• Judicious use of identity-first language can address concerns of disability groups.
• Employing both language approaches improves dignity, rigor, and cultural competence in psychological communications.