Strength-Based vs. Deficit-Based Language

• NCJ Number: 309336
• Author(s): Ethleen Iron Cloud-Two Dogs
• Date Published: July 2024
• Length: 3 pages
• Grant Number(s): lSPJDP-21-GK-04048-MUMU
• Agencies: OJJDP-Sponsored

Annotation

This chart published by the Tribal Youth Research Center summarizes differences between strength-based and deficit-based language.

Abstract

This publication of the Tribal Youth Research Center, created with funding from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), Office of Justice Programs (OJP), illustrates the differences between strength-based and deficit-based language. Communication underlies relationships, and using respectfuI, appropriate language honors the spirit of those being spoken to or about. Among the Lakota people, for example, there is a belief that individuals, families, communities and even words and thoughts have a spirit that needs to be handled with care. This chart outlines some language references that include deficit-based and strength-based examples to help with honoring relationships. When in doubt, it is important to ask the individual their preferred terms.