THE IMPACT OF METAPHOR IN MENTAL ILLNESS STIGMA

Abstract

A growing body of research indicates that differing metaphors can influence perception and effectively shape the way we think about the world around us (Lakoff, 2012; Panzeri & Paula, 2020; Thibodeau et al., 2009; Vallis & Inayatullah, 2001). The present study investigates whether different metaphors can influence perceptions of mental illness, specifically in regards to Schizophrenia. Participants were instructed to read a short vignette depicting a diagnosis of a Schizophrenic patient in terms of either a "battle" with the illness or a "journey". In order to obtain results, we measured dependency, preference for social distance, fear response, empathy/ emotional response, and anger. Results of the present study indicated that there was no significant relationship between metaphor and perceptions of a Schizophrenia diagnosis. With this being said, there was a significant effect of gender identity on perceptions of the patient. Men displayed more stigma towards patients with Schizophrenia than did women. Based on the findings of this study, future researchers may want to hone in on gender differences in perception of mental illness and further the existing research on metaphor as it pertains to mental illness.