Metaphorical Analysis of Medical School Students' Perceptions of Schizophrenia: A Case Study in Türkiye

Abstract

Purpose: It is widely recognized that the attitudes of physicians toward mental disorders have a significant impact on the prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of these conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the perceptions of first and sixth-year medical school students regarding schizophrenia through metaphors. Methods: The research utilized a phenomenological design, one of the basic qualitative research designs. The study was conducted among the students of Ondokuz Mayıs University Faculty of Medicine. First and sixth-year medical school students were included in the study. The "metaphorical perceptions data collection form," developed by the researchers, was used. The form consisted of two parts: the first part included students' demographic characteristics, and the second part aimed to determine students' metaphors for schizophrenia through the sentence "Schizophrenia is like ..., because ... (In your opinion, what does schizophrenia resemble? Why?)." The metaphors developed by 144 medical school students about schizophrenia were evaluated within the scope of the study. Results: Approximately half of the metaphors developed by medical school students about schizophrenia were related to the symptomatology of schizophrenia, which constitutes the diagnostic criteria of disorder. The other half of the metaphors developed by students reflected their views that schizophrenia is uncontrollable, a harmful element, or in need of care and attention. There was no categorical difference between first and sixth-year medical school students in terms of the metaphors they developed. Conclusions: Implementing more contemporary and innovative educational models is essential to reduce negative attitudes towards mental disorders in faculties of medicine.