The “no second-person” myth

In this series, we look at common APA Style misconceptions and debunk these myths one by one. So far, we have looked at the “outdated sources” myth and the “first-person” myth. Now let’s look at how to use second-person pronouns.

Many writers believe the “no second-person” myth, which is that there is an APA Style guideline against using second-person pronouns such as “you” or “your.” On the contrary, you can use second-person pronouns in APA Style writing.

Although use of second-person pronouns is generally avoided in academic writing, this is not an APA Style guideline found in the current or older editions of the Publication Manual.

In the following excerpt, Arnold (2014) uses the second-person to describe psychologist Carl Rogers’s approaches to therapy:

Examples like this are not very common, especially in specific types of research and science journals. But, keep in mind that APA Style writing is used in many different settings both in and out of academia. Write with your audience in mind. In less formal writing, such as in a letter to the editor, in a blog post like this one, or in a student reaction paper, it may be completely appropriate (and well within APA Style guidelines) to use second-person pronouns.

As always, defer to your instructors’ guidelines when writing student papers. For example, paper requirements may specify not to use second-person pronouns. Follow course guidelines when writing papers for your classes.

Now that we’ve debunked another myth, go forth, APA Style writers, using the second-person when appropriate.

What myth should we debunk next? Leave a comment below.

Arnold, K. (2014). Behind the mirror: Reflective listening and its tain in the work of Carl Rogers. The Humanistic Psychologist, 42(4), 354–369. https://doi.org/10.1080/08873267.2014.913247opens in new window