An Image Schematic Analysis of Conceptual Metaphors of Adolescents' Lived Experiences of Depression

Depression has a substantial impact on adolescents' mental health. This study investigated adolescents' use of conceptual metaphors to convey their experiences with depression and analyzed the role of image schemas in structuring their metaphorical conceptualization of the condition. The objective was to elucidate the cognitive mechanisms underlying the framing of depression.

Based on the metaphorical expressions from interview data collected from 20 adolescents (aged 15 to 19) diagnosed with depression, this study conducted conceptual metaphor and image schema analyses of narrative discourse related to depression.

The analyses revealed that CONTAINER, THING, PHYSICAL ENTITY, and LOCATION metaphors were primarily used to conceptualize the disorder itself, life with depression, communication and personal environment, medication and therapy, as well as moods, thoughts, and emotions. These metaphors illuminated participants' concerns and challenges in their lived experiences with depression. Furthermore, image schemas such as CONTAINER, PATH, COMPULSION, ENABLEMENT, and VERTICALITY were frequently employed as subjects metaphorically reasoned about their experiences with depression.

The analyses of conceptual metaphors and image schemas in narrative discourse revealed that adolescents tend to draw on bodily experiences to metaphorically interpret their lived experiences of depression. Mental health professionals may benefit from paying closer attention to the image schemas and metaphorical expressions used by patients with depression when assessing their mental health condition.