Championing Person-First Language: A Call to Psychiatric Mental Health Nurses. (May 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jensen, Mary E.; Pease, Elizabeth A.; Lambert, Kris; Hickman, Diane R.; Robinson, Ora; McCoy, Kathleen T.; Barut, Jennifer K.; Musker, Kathleen M.; Olive, Dana; Noll, Connie; Ramirez, Jeffery; Cogliser, Dawn; King, Joan Kenerson
• Other Names: McLoughlin Kris A. guest-editor.; Moller Mary D. guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association. Volume 19:Number 3(2013)
• Page Start: 146
• Page End: 151
• Publication Date: 2013-05
• Subjects: person-first language -- inclusive language -- stigmatizing language -- disability language -- recovery-oriented practice; Psychiatric nursing -- Periodicals; 616.890231
• DOI: 10.1177/1078390313489729
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1078-3903

Abstract

At the heart of recovery-oriented psychiatric mental health care are the dignity and respect of each person and the ways in which helping professionals convey a person's uniqueness, strengths, abilities, and needs. "Person-first language" is a form of linguistic expression relying on words that reflect awareness, a sense of dignity, and positive attitudes about people with disabilities. As such, person-first language places emphasis on the person first rather than the disability (e.g., "person with schizophrenia" rather than "a schizophrenic"). This article champions the use of person-first language as a foundation for recovery-oriented practice and enhanced collaborative treatment environments that foster respect, human dignity, and hope.