Nonstigmatizing

Avoiding language or treatment that causes shame or exclusion.

Reach for it when describing language or care that avoids attaching shame to a condition or identity

The campaign uses nonstigmatizing language when discussing addiction.

• everyday

  neutral

  emotionally loaded wording should be removed

  not when Neutrality can erase needed acknowledgment of injustice.

• warm

  affirming

  identity and experience are positively validated

  not when Affirming is stronger than merely avoiding stigma.

• warm

  respectful

  dignity in treatment is the central value

  not when Respectful language can still repeat harmful assumptions.

• professional

  nonjudgmental

  moral condemnation is withheld

  not when Judgment can be absent while stereotypes remain.

• professional

  person-first

  the person is named before a condition when preferred

  not when Many communities prefer identity-first language.

• formal

  dignity-preserving

  the effect on human worth is stated explicitly

  not when This broad description provides no fixed style rule.

• stigmatizing
• shaming
• dehumanizing

• nonstigmatizing language

  The leaflet used nonstigmatizing language about substance dependence.

• nonstigmatizing care

  Nonstigmatizing care made it easier for patients to ask for help.

• nonstigmatizing approach

  A nonstigmatizing approach separated the person from the stereotype.

Preferred terminology varies across communities and individuals; ask, listen, and describe concrete practice.