# Does attitude importance moderate the effects of person-first language? A registered report

## TL;DR

This study explores whether the impact of using person-first language varies depending on how important people's negative attitudes are toward different social groups.

## Contribution

The paper investigates a boundary condition of person-first language effects, focusing on the moderating role of attitude importance.

## Key findings

- Person-first language may be less effective in reducing stigma for groups with more important negative attitudes.
- The study compares effects on people with disabilities and violent criminals.
- Findings could inform communication policies to reduce stigma and promote inclusion.

## Abstract

Previous research has demonstrated that exposure to outgroup descriptions that use person-first, as compared to identity-first, language can attenuate negative stereotypes or prejudice and enhance support for policies that seek to advance outgroup rights. However, those benefits of person-first language may not apply to all social groups equally. The present study examines a boundary condition of the effects of person-first language. Specifically, we postulate that person-first language reduces the stigmatization of outgroups to a lesser degree if individuals hold more important negative attitudes towards the respective communities. We will test this hypothesis in a two-factorial 2 (target group) x 2 (descriptor) online experiment that includes a control group and for which we will recruit a general-population sample (N = 681). Stereotyping, dehumanization, as well as negative affect and behavioral intentions towards two outgroups will be compared: people with a physical disability/the physically disabled (i.e., negative attitudes are expected to be less important) and people who have committed a violent crime/violent criminals (i.e., negative attitudes are expected to be more important). Our findings will bear implications for understanding when language use could influence public opinion of different social groups. Additionally, the research can inform the development of more effective communication policies to promote inclusion and reduce stigma.