A frog in boiling water? A qualitative analysis of psychiatrists’ use of metaphor in relation to psychological trauma

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.