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.
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