A frog in boiling water? A qualitative analysis of psychiatrists' use of metaphor in relation to psychological trauma. (December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Isobel, Sophie; McCloughen, Andrea; Foster, Kim
• Is Part Of: Australasian psychiatry. Volume 28:Number 6(2020:Dec.)
• Page Start: 656
• Page End: 659
• Publication Date: 2020-12
• Subjects: trauma -- metaphor -- qualitative -- psychiatry; Psychiatry -- Australasia -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.89005
• DOI: 10.1177/1039856220946596
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1039-8562

Abstract

Objective: Tensions about the definition, diagnostics, and role of psychological trauma in psychiatry are long-standing. This study sought to explore what metaphor patterns in qualitative interviews may reveal about the beliefs of psychiatrists in relation to trauma. Method: A qualitative inquiry using systematic metaphor analysis of 13 in-depth interviews with Australian psychiatrists. Results: Three themes were identified: a power struggle between people, trauma, and psychiatry; trauma is not a medical condition; and serving the profession to protect society. Conclusions: Metaphors present trauma as a powerful force that people can manage in different ways. Psychiatrists may view trauma as a social rather than medical issue. Psychiatrists experience role pressure associated with trauma including incongruence with risk management expectations of their roles.