6
Bias-Free Language
Labels: APA expects writers to avoid using nouns to label people or groups (e.g. “drug users,” “the poor,” etc.).
Instead, APA recommends using adjectival forms (e.g. “older adults”) or descriptive phrases (e.g. “people who
use drugs”). APA expects writers to be sensitive to labels and to use self-identified terms when available. Even
if someone uses a derogatory/stigmatizing term to refer to themselves, APA expects writers to avoid these
terms. APA offers the following recommendations based on topics:
Age: APA recommends using “boy,” “girl,” “child,” “infant,” etc. for individuals under 12. Terms for
individuals aged 13-17 include “adolescent,” “youth,” “young woman,” “young man,” etc. Appropriate
terms for those over 18 include “adult,” “woman,” “man,” and so on.
Disability: APA encourages the writer to adopt person-first language or identify-first language
depending on the preference of the people the author refers to. If no preference is provided, APA
recommends using both forms. Person-first language emphasizes the person (e.g. “a youth with
epilepsy”), whereas identify-first language emphasizes the disability (e.g. “an amputee”).
Gender: APA recognizes the rapid evolution of terminology related to gender and sex. As such, APA
recommends using the terms people use to describe themselves. APA encourages writers to use the
term “gender” instead of “sex” to avoid ambiguity and confusion. References to individuals should
maintain their dignity and respect their identification. All references to individuals should use terms
like “individuals,” “people,” or, “persons” instead of “mankind.” In addition, APA recommends avoiding
the use of “man” in occupations (e.g. “Policeman” vs. “Police Officer”).
Race & Ethnicity: APA recommends using the racial or ethnic term used by an individual. APA also
suggests categorizing participants as clearly and specifically as possible (e.g. “Korean American” vs.
“Asian American”). Commonly accepted designations such as census categories should be used. Racial
and ethnic groups are proper nouns and should be capitalized. For example: “Black,” “White,” “Native
American,” “Hispanic,” etc. APA does not use hyphens for multiword names (e.g. African American,
not African-American).
Sexual Orientation: APA requires the term “sexual orientation” instead of “sexual preference.” APA
encourages using self-identified terms when available; common terms include gay, straight, bisexual,
queer, pansexual, lesbian, etc. APA recommends using LGBTQ+, sexual and gender minorities, or other
abbreviations when referring to multiple groups. APA advises against using “homosexual” or
“homosexuality” to avoid negative stereotyping.
Socioeconomic Status: Socioeconomic status (SES) includes not just income information, but also
education and occupation. APA recommends avoiding broad terminology that carries negative
connotation such as “the homeless,” “ghetto,” “inner-city,” or “welfare reliant.” Instead, APA
recommends using specific, person-first language (e.g. people who are homeless). APA encourages
including racial or ethnic descriptions with SES details when appropriate to avoid unintentional
negative stereotyping based on historical descriptors.