People have many concerns about language. These include how to define various terms, which terms to avoid because they are considered offensive or outdated, how to use pronouns correctly, and so forth. The inclusive language guidelines seek to provide guidance for the utilization of the most contemporary language based on psychological science to guide EDI communication. During the development of the guidelines, we consulted with experts who study the psychology behind discrimination, marginalization, and the experiences of different social identity groups. We also turned to APA Style’s comprehensive bias-free language guidelines, APA’s own policy statements, practice guidelines, and psychological research in journals and books. The inclusive language guidelines are meant to be used in conjunction with, not in place of, the bias-free language guidelines in Chapter 5 of the Publication Manual.

Electronic reproduction.