The use of metaphors as descriptive tools in a phenomenol study of adults exposed to family violence as children

• Published in: Journal of poetry therapy Vol. 16; no. 3; pp. 135 - 151
• Main Authors: L. Burton, Roberta, L. Rehm, Marsha
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis Group 01-09-2003
• Subjects: Childhood experience; family violence; metaphors; phenomenological study
• ISSN: 0889-3675; 1567-2344
• DOI: 10.1080/08893670310001633020

In a study of the effects and experiences of childhood exposure to family violence, metaphors were used as an aid in describing and understanding the experiences of four individuals. Each individual chose the name by which he or she wished to be known in future publications. The selected names also appeared to be metaphors for the participants. This paper explores metaphors, the metaphors of the participant's names and the metaphors the primary author used in interpreting their experiences. There was an unexpected result of the use of the metaphors. At least two of the participants experienced positive change through the use of the metaphors.