A Canvas of Unspoken Words: The Role of Metaphor in Understanding Eating Disorders

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to explore the role of metaphor in understanding the expression of eating disorders. From the perspective of metaphor as a primary tool of expression, rather than a flourish of language, there exists a new way of perceiving the message it delivers. In the case of eating disorders, however, what is meant to be an abstract form of communication loses its as-if quality and becomes literal. This thesis explores how that happens, as well as ways that therapists and helpers can help transform such frozen metaphors so that they become fluid and generative