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The Road Less Traveled: How COVID-19 Patients Use Metaphors to Frame Their Lived Experiences

Author

Listed:
  • Yu Deng

    (College of Language Intelligence, Sichuan International Studies University, Chongqing 400031, China
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Jixue Yang

    (School of English Studies, Sichuan International Studies University, Chongqing 400031, China
    Zengcheng Experimental School of Guangzhou Zhixin Middle School, Guangzhou 511300, China
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Li Wang

    (Science and Education Department, Chongqing Public Health Medical Center, Chongqing 400036, China
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Yaokai Chen

    (Department of Infection Diseases, Chongqing Public Health Medical Center, Chongqing 400036, China)

Abstract

Metaphor provides an important intellectual tool for communication about intense disease experiences. The present study aimed to investigate how COVID-19-infected persons metaphorically frame their lived experiences of COVID-19, and how the pandemic impacts on their mental health burden. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 33 patients afflicted with COVID-19. Metaphor analysis of patient narratives demonstrated that: (1) COVID-19 infection impacted patient conceptualization of themselves and the relationship between the “self” and the body, as well as social relationships. (2) Metaphors relating to physical experience, space and time, and integrative behaviors tended to be used by COVID-19 patients in a negative way, whereas war metaphors, family metaphors, temperature metaphors, and light metaphors were likely to express positive attitudes. (3) Patients preferred to employ conventional metaphors grounded on embodied sensorimotor experiences to conceptualize their extreme emotional experiences. This study has important implications with respect to the therapeutic function of metaphors in clinical communication between healthcare professionals and COVID-19 patients.

Suggested Citation

  • Yu Deng & Jixue Yang & Li Wang & Yaokai Chen, 2022. "The Road Less Traveled: How COVID-19 Patients Use Metaphors to Frame Their Lived Experiences," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(23), pages 1-18, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:23:p:15979-:d:988838
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Roberta Lynn Woodgate & Pauline Tennent & Nicole Legras, 2021. "Understanding Youth’s Lived Experience of Anxiety through Metaphors: A Qualitative, Arts-Based Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(8), pages 1-21, April.
    2. Yu Deng & Huimin Li & Minjun Park, 2022. "Emotional Experiences of COVID-19 Patients in China: A Qualitative Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(15), pages 1-22, August.
    3. Alvisa Palese & Maddalena Peghin & Valentina Bressan & Margherita Venturini & Valentina Gerussi & Giulia Bontempo & Elena Graziano & Erica Visintini & Carlo Tascini, 2022. "One Word to Describe My Experience as a COVID-19 Survivor Six Months after Its Onset: Findings of a Qualitative Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(9), pages 1-14, April.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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