Introducing the Metaphorical Anchor Model: A Mixed-Methods Study of Cognitive Metaphor Use in Palliative Care

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Linguistics
• Psychology
• Medical Humanities

Background:

• Affective overload is common in end-of-life care.
• Metaphors may serve as cognitive tools for meaning-making.
• Professional background might influence metaphorical expression.

Purpose of the Study:

• Introduce and validate the Metaphorical Anchor Model.
• Investigate how professional background moderates metaphor use in end-of-life care.
• Explore metaphors as cognitive tools for transforming affective overload into professional meaning.

Main Methods:

• Mixed-methods design combining qualitative and quantitative approaches.
• Qualitative thematic analysis of 61 metaphorical expressions from 14 multidisciplinary professionals.
• Quantitative validation using Fisher's Exact Test to assess the influence of professional training on metaphor selection.

Main Results:

• Identified six cognitive domains grouped into Symbolic & Relational Anchors and Functional & Cognitive Analogies.
• Professional role significantly moderated metaphor selection (p = 0.008).
• Science-based professionals favored Functional & Cognitive Analogies (54.3%), while humanistic-psychosocial professionals favored Symbolic & Relational Anchors (80.8%).

Conclusions:

• The Metaphorical Anchor Model provides a framework for understanding metaphor use in end-of-life care.
• Professional roles shape representations of death and care through distinct metaphorical patterns.
• Metaphor use is a valuable resource for emotional processing and can inform clinical communication training.