Use of metaphors in Chinese family therapy: a qualitative study

Abstract

The use of metaphors in family therapy has been extensively written about in western literature, yet very few studies on this subject have been conducted in China. The goal of this study was to summarize the metaphors used by Chinese family therapists. Transcriptions from 36 hours of video‐recorded family and couple therapy sessions from eighteen Chinese family patients were qualitatively analysed to identify categories of therapist‐produced metaphors that are applicable to the Chinese context. Two major categories emerged: verbal and non‐verbal metaphors. Verbal metaphors included four subgroups: story, object comparison, sayings and age. Nonverbal metaphors involved two subgroups: gesture and spatialization. The influence of the Chinese culture on the use of metaphor is discussed. This study adds to the greater understanding of how to integrate metaphors in therapy in the Chinese context.

Family functioning and depression in primary caregivers of stroke patients in China

“…Other Chinese scholars have emphasized the likelihood that family therapy and family based interventions have special applicability in the Chinese context, in comparison to Western treatment strategies, due to the more collectivist nature of the culture. [37] Consistent with another study, [38] we found a relationship between low ADL scores or stroke severity and caregiver burden and depression. Given that stroke severity was an independent predictor of considerable caregiver strain, it follows that rehabilitation programs and strategies that deal with stroke-related disability might alleviate the burden of caregivers.…”

Necessity and feasibility of improving mental health services in China: A systematic qualitative review

“…Zhao and colleagues have been using this systemic approach in general hospitals and specialized psychiatric hospitals for years, and the efficacy of this integrative model has been established by prior studies . Some therapeutic methods inspired by Chinese traditional culture, such as the use of metaphors, have also been developed …”

“…The references were imported into endnote and sorted into groups based on thematic analysis . Literature review by thematic analysis is based on the philosophy of social constructionist epistemology and overlaps with grounded theory.…”

Introduction to the Special Issue on Marriage and Family Therapy in China

“…Most professional fields in the West, including education, business, and politics, have felt the influence of China's development over the last few decades. Of all the traditionally Western mental health disciplines available in China, family therapy has emerged as one of the most popular and fastest growing modalities of intervention (Liu, Zhao & Miller, 2012). This may be in part due to the early introduction of family therapy trainings in China in the 1980s and/or the natural fit between systems theory, family therapy, and Chinese society's emphasis on filial piety and collectivist values (Liu et al, 2012).…”

“…Of all the traditionally Western mental health disciplines available in China, family therapy has emerged as one of the most popular and fastest growing modalities of intervention (Liu, Zhao & Miller, 2012). This may be in part due to the early introduction of family therapy trainings in China in the 1980s and/or the natural fit between systems theory, family therapy, and Chinese society's emphasis on filial piety and collectivist values (Liu et al, 2012). It is indeed an interesting time for the practice of family therapy in China and for the emerging collaborative efforts between researchers, educators, and therapists from the West and the East.…”