Abstract
The chapter discusses the contribution of metaphor analysis as a tool for investigating lay conceptions of depression. It is pointed out that collectively shared metaphors of depression represent interpretation repertoires that reflect social norms and values. Cognitive metaphors not only serve for illustrating an ambiguous phenomenon like that of depression but also for evaluation, explanation and operative instruction. In a case study metaphorical thinking is analysed on an individual level. Final remarks discuss the role of metaphors for self-description and psychotherapy in general.
| Translated title of the contribution | Black hole, mental paralysis and deep sleep: a metaphor analysis of lay conceptions of depression |
|---|---|
| Original language | German (Austria) |
| Pages (from-to) | 85-104 |
| Number of pages | 19 |
| Journal | Psychotherapie und Sozialwissenschaft |
| Volume | 1 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| Publication status | Published - May 1999 |
Fields of science
- 501 Psychology
- 501002 Applied psychology
- 501006 Experimental psychology
- 501021 Social psychology
- 501029 Economic psychology
- 502045 Behavioural economics
- 509017 Social studies of science
- 605004 Cultural studies