APA help! Is it okay to use abbreviations in your headings? For example, at the beginning of my paper I mentioned Population Health Promotion Model (PHPM). If I want to use this as a level 1 heading later on, is it okay to just write PHPM?

Question

anonymous · Answer

idk

zpupster · Answer

Define an abbreviation/acronym at its first use in text unless the first reference is in a heading. In this case, either use the abbreviation/acronym or the full term in the heading, but define the abbreviation/acronym in the following paragraph. http://www.sematech.org/publications/style/stgd_abb.htm

nincompoop · Answer

Unless it is a widely known abbreviation, NO. It is advisable to abbreviate terms after the terms are given.  They are initially enclosed in a parenthesis.

nincompoop · Answer

in the body of the article or essay

anonymous · Answer

If using it as a header I would say no.

anonymous · Answer

not if you're using it in your header.