Euphemisms and Empathy: Do Euphemisms for People with Disabilities Affect How We Feel about Them?
Abstract
Euphemisms have been developed and used to destigmatize different words and groups, however, they do not always have that effect. Previous research found that “special needs” was an ineffective euphemism for “disability.” While there is research about the effectiveness of euphemisms for the disabled population, there has not been any research about whether such euphemisms affect the amount of empathy we have for people with disabilities. The present study evaluates empathetic feelings and helping behavior for the disabled population through a survey that refers to people with disabilities (using the words “handicapped,” “special needs,” “disabled,” or no specifier), evaluates general empathy levels through the Interpersonal Reactivity Index questionnaire, and asks if participants either have a disability or have any family or friends with a disability. Based on previous research finding “special needs” as an ineffective euphemism, it is hypothesized that people will have more empathy for people referred to as having a “disability,” as the other two euphemisms are more outdated.
Euphemisms and Empathy: Do Euphemisms for People with Disabilities Affect How We Feel about Them?
Euphemisms have been developed and used to destigmatize different words and groups, however, they do not always have that effect. Previous research found that “special needs” was an ineffective euphemism for “disability.” While there is research about the effectiveness of euphemisms for the disabled population, there has not been any research about whether such euphemisms affect the amount of empathy we have for people with disabilities. The present study evaluates empathetic feelings and helping behavior for the disabled population through a survey that refers to people with disabilities (using the words “handicapped,” “special needs,” “disabled,” or no specifier), evaluates general empathy levels through the Interpersonal Reactivity Index questionnaire, and asks if participants either have a disability or have any family or friends with a disability. Based on previous research finding “special needs” as an ineffective euphemism, it is hypothesized that people will have more empathy for people referred to as having a “disability,” as the other two euphemisms are more outdated.