Positionality statements: Intersectional considerations for rehabilitation psychology.

Abstract

Introduction: Positionality statements accompanying peer-reviewed publications are increasingly being implemented in academic journals across many disciplines, including psychology. These statements serve as transparent, public acknowledgments of the authors' identities, which can offer valuable insight into the authors' work in the context of their lived experiences and potential biases. However, journal editors and associated staff risk harm by uniformly adopting a policy on positionality statements without consideration of the unintended consequences of implementing such practices.

Objective/purpose: The purpose of the current article is to discuss the benefits and challenges of incorporating positionality statements, with a focus on the specific context and principles of rehabilitation psychology.

Method: We reviewed the literature on positionality statements and disclosure and incorporated our own experiences as researchers and authors from marginalized and/or minoritized groups.

Results: Editorial and research teams in rehabilitation psychology are encouraged to reflect on both the potential benefits of positionality statements (e.g., greater recognition of "insider perspectives," recognition of potential biases) as well as the potential negative consequences (e.g., forced disclosure of characteristics and identities in published work, minimization of the impact of intersectional identities, dissolution of dynamic identities and stages of identity development).

Conclusions/implications: Positionality statements present complex challenges for rehabilitation psychology researchers from diverse backgrounds and their colleagues; thus, authors should be given the freedom to choose if and how to include a positionality statement in their work. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).