How Does Person-First Language, Diagnosis, and Personal Experience Change Perceptions of Mental Illness? Evidence From Two Experimental Studies

The stigmatization of mental health conditions remains a widespread problem. One proposed intervention involves reforming diagnostic language by using terminology that separates the individual from the diagnosis (i.e., person-first language) rather than language that defines the individual by the diagnosis (i.e., identity-first or identity-only language). In this two-study manuscript, we tested whether manipulating the language used to describe a diagnosis alters multiple dimensions of stigma, including attitudinal stigma, trait-based stereotype judgments, and dehumanization. Across studies, language framing alone did not significantly influence stigma measures, with the exception of responses to psychopathy. Instead, diagnostic label and personal familiarity with mental illness showed the most consistent associations with stigma scores. These findings suggest that individual diagnoses are embedded in distinct social schemas that shape perceptions beyond language framing alone. Additionally, personal or social contact with individuals with mental illness was associated with lower stigma across several dimensions. Together, these results suggest that education and contact-based interventions may produce more consistent reductions in stigma than language reforms alone. Future research should examine specific forms of contact, incorporate behavioral outcomes, and test language effects within more contextually rich or ecologically valid narratives.