Figurative and metaphoric language : factor analysis of constructs of flexibility, indirectness, novelty and interpersonal functioning /
Extensive literature has elaborated on the unique
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| Format: | Thesis Book |
| Language: | English |
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[Place of publication not identified] :
[publisher not identified] ;
1995.
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| Online Access: | http://proxy.library.tamu.edu/login?url=http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=742745731&sid=1&Fmt=2&clientId=2945&RQT=309&VName=PQD |
| Summary: | Extensive literature has elaborated on the unique contributions of metaphoric language. Empirical studies using metaphoric language have attempted to identify the presence of metaphoric language (Barlow, Kerlin & Pollio, 1970; Tourangeau & Rips, 1991), measure the recall of psychotherapy content (Martin, Cummings & Hallberg, 1992; Pardee, 1984), assess its effect within the therapist/client relationship (Angus & Rennie, 1988; Ferrara,, 1994), and measure how intentional use of metaphoric language contributes to successful psychotherapy outcome (Amira, 1982; Ingram, 1990; Lentine, 1988). While it has been shown that metaphors can be identified reliably (Barlow, et al., 1970), little empirical work has contributed to our understanding of specific constructs of metaphors in psychotherapy. Vast amounts of literature have suggested several mechanisms are tapped by metaphoric language. Psychoanalysts have suggested that metaphoric language's indirectness helps to bypass clients' resistance to hearing certain interpretations (Roger, 1978; Spence, 1987). Others have discussed how metaphoric language facilitates interaction between therapist and client (Amira, 1982; Ferrara, 1994; Gordon, 1978; Kopp, 1971; Lankton & Lankton, 1983; Zuniga, 1992). Cognitive behaviorists have implied that metaphoric language can facilitate cognitive flexibility in problem-solving (Barrette & Cooperrider, 1990; Marks, Hammeal & Bornstein, 1987; Muran & DiGiuseppe, 1990; Pardee, 1984; Schon, 1979; Spellman & Holyoak, 1992). Some also have suggested that metaphoric language stimulates behavioral change in recalcitrant clients (Ferrara, 1994; Spence, 1987). This dissertation attempted to show that a subset of figurative language tropes represent the four construct properties as originally proposed by Barlow, et al. (1970). Passages representing fourteen trope forms were rated by subjects (n=198) along flexibility, indirectness, novelty, and relatedness constructs. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to test trope membership to constructs and to measure the associations between constructs. Results showed that unreliable rating scales prohibited an inadequate measurement of the constructs producing lack of fit for the data (X2=200.83; D<. 001) . A two-factor model of flexibility and relatedness constructs emerged with a moderately strong association (phi=.49). |
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| Item Description: | Vita. "Major Subject: Psychology". |
| Physical Description: | xiv, 167 leaves : ills ; 28 cm. Issued also on microfiche from University Microfilms Inc. |
| Bibliography: | Includes bibliographical references. |