The use of metaphor for understanding and managing psychotic experiences: A systematic review
Tracy J. Mould, Lindsay G. Oades, Trevor P. Crowe
Journal of Mental Health May 4, 2010 DOI: 10.3109/09638231003728091 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 28 |
| Population | Studies involving an intervention or therapeutic method for psychosis |
| Citations | 65 |
| Key findings | Metaphor appears frequently in psychosis interventions, with most studies using it to consolidate the self and many to transition the self, but applied use for recovery is limited. The authors propose that metaphor is a valuable strategy for articulation and recovery support. |
Abstract
Background: Subjective experiences of psychotic disorders are often not communicated because of the difficulty in articulating them. Metaphor is a valuable way of describing these experiences to others. Recovery in psychotic disorders involves consolidation and transitioning processes. The ontological and orientational types of metaphor seem to form the linguistic basis of these processes.
Aims: The aim of this paper is to review and describe how metaphor may be used both as a strategy for people with psychotic disorders to articulate their subjective experiences of self, and also as an approach to support recovery.
Method: A systematic review of 28 studies was conducted, to examine the nature and function of metaphor used in studies involving an intervention or therapeutic method for psychosis.
Results: Sixteen studies contained first-person experiences, 24 studies used metaphor to consolidate the self of the person with psychotic disorder, and 19 studies used metaphor to transition the self of the person, although applied use of metaphor in this way was limited.
Conclusions: The use of metaphor as a strategy is a potentially valuable way for both people with psychotic disorders to express their experiences, and for promotion of recovery within this population.