Understanding Men’s Lived Experience of Mental Distress Through Metaphors

Author:

McKenzie Sarah K.1ORCID,Mathieson Fiona1,Das Tiara1,Genuchi Matthew C.2,Oliffe John L.34ORCID

Affiliation:

1. Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand

2. Department of Psychological Science, Boise State University, Boise, ID, USA

3. School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada

4. Department of Nursing, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia

Abstract

The use of tailored language, which involves a clinician’s ability to adapt communication styles and employ accessible terms and concepts, has long been touted as key to engaging men with mental health services. Metaphors are one communication device that can provide men with ways through which to meaningfully express themselves and communicate their mental distress experiences. Using qualitative photovoice research, the current study examined how New Zealand-based men ( n = 21) communicatively constructed their meaning of mental distress through metaphors. Analysis of interview data was used to derive three metaphor groupings men consistently drew on to articulate their lived experiences: metaphors of emotions ( darkness and weight), metaphors of survival ( battle and entity), and metaphors of disembodiments ( debility and entrapment). The findings highlight the power of metaphors as a tool for men in communicating their experiences of mental distress and are valuable for health professionals to contemplate across an array of contexts. The implications and importance of a metaphor-enriched perspective for engaging men in professional health care settings and services are discussed.

Funder

Canada Research Chairs

Marsden Fund

Publisher

SAGE Publications

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