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 | |
|---|---|
| warm | |
| professional |
|
| formal |
everyday
neutral
Fits when emotionally loaded wording should be removed
Careful Neutrality can erase needed acknowledgment of injustice.
warm
affirming
Fits when identity and experience are positively validated
Careful Affirming is stronger than merely avoiding stigma.
warm
Fits when dignity in treatment is the central value
Careful Respectful language can still repeat harmful assumptions.
professional
Fits when moral condemnation is withheld
Careful Judgment can be absent while stereotypes remain.
professional
person-first
Fits when the person is named before a condition when preferred
Careful Many communities prefer identity-first language.
formal
dignity-preserving
Fits when the effect on human worth is stated explicitly
Careful This broad description provides no fixed style rule.
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.
Keep in mind
Preferred terminology varies across communities and individuals; ask, listen, and describe concrete practice.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Updated
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