APA’s Inclusive Language Guide offers important recommendations for culturally sensitive and respectful communication

It’s important to remember that the words that we choose to use in our writing, and in our everyday conversations, have power and influence. What we say and how we say it matters. Fortunately, APA provides valuable guidance to psychologists and psychology students regarding word choices that reflect culturally sensitive and respectful communication in the revised Inclusive Language Guide (to learn more about the original version, see Andoh, 2022).

Recently, many colleges and universities have created initiatives aimed at reducing stigma and bias surrounding historically underrepresented and marginalized communities. Although these efforts represent some progress, they alone are not enough to tackle structural and systemic bias and discrimination. In my own experience as a graduate student in psychology, I still see students and educators use exclusionary language, even if that is not their intent. For instance, someone might use ableist language like “turn a blind eye to” when they mean “ignore,” inadvertently disparaging blind people. Or someone might insensitively use a cultural and racial descriptor that is hurtful and can be interpreted as a microaggression. An educator might refer to a student in class as “him” without knowing that person’s pronouns. Or a student might ask a woman who is married the name of her husband, assuming that the woman is straight.

Classrooms are not just a space where students from all walks of life come to learn, they are also safe spaces that allow students to navigate difficult conversations and discuss and explore issues of bias, stereotyping, discrimination, and prejudices without biting their tongue. Encouraging inclusive dialogue between students fosters deeper learning, meaningful engagement, and personal growth and reflection. It also increases cohesiveness and a sense of community. Students become more mindful of their words and the lasting impact they leave on others, leading them to become empathetic and effective communicators.

In a society where individuals with different identities co-exist, there is a need for a well-researched resource that can aid in promoting inclusive dialogue. APA’s second edition of its Inclusive Language Guide features new sections and additions, including:

A new section on body size and weight stigma that suggests that using the terms lower or higher weight may be less stigmatizing that underweight or fat.
Gender-inclusive terminology related to pregnancy (e.g., using the term pregnant person instead of pregnant woman).
The neurodiversity section, which reminds us that everyone experiences and interacts with the world around them in different ways. The term neurodivergence is recommended for describing when a person’s neurology differs from the “majority,” like in the case of an autistic person.
Finally, the guide has expanded terminology on issues related to power and equity, identity-related terms, person-first and identity-first language, cultural appropriation, pejorative language, and casually offensive language in conversation.

Reflecting on the language you use, and trying to adopt new communication habits can be awkward and confusing. You may be worried about making a mistake. Yet, choosing to communicate in ways that promote equity and reduce harm is an essential skill that psychology students and psychologists strive to cultivate so that they can be effective, respectful, and culturally sensitive in their personal and professional interactions.

About the author

Durga Kalyani Musunuri completed an internship at APA in December 2023 in the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Executive Office. As a South Asian woman, Durga shared her perspective and became involved in projects focused on increasing awareness and representation of mental health issues to the public. Durga is a clinical psychology graduate student at Columbia University. She hopes to continue her professional and academic pursuits in promoting equity in psychological science and bridge the gap between communities and access to mental health care. In her downtime, she loves to indulge in restorative and meditative self-care activities like painting, reading, yoga, and cooking.