Representation of Visual Metaphor: A Multi-Modal Discourse Analysis of Fibromyalgia Images

The present study aims to explore the visual metaphor and discourse surrounding Fibromyalgia through a multi-modal analysis of images related to the condition. Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder that lacks a clear diagnostic test, making it challenging to convey its experiences and impact on patients. This research employs a multi-modal discourse analysis approach, combining visual and textual analysis, to examine how Fibromyalgia is visually depicted and communicated through visual images. By analyzing a diverse range of images, including those from medical websites, social media platforms, and patient communities, the study aims to uncover the underlying metaphors embedded within these visual representations. The analysis of the images revealed a diverse range of illness representations associated with Fibromyalgia. Metaphorical depictions were commonly found, often using visual metaphors to represent pain, fatigue, and the invisible nature of the condition. The findings of this research will contribute to a deeper understanding of how Fibromyalgia is visually portrayed and the potential implications of these representations on public awareness, and the experiences of individuals living with the condition. By applying Forceville's model of pictorial metaphor, the study offers a novel perspective on how Fibromyalgia is visually communicated.
Key words: Fibromyalgia, Metaphor, Multi-modal discourse analysis, Visual metaphor, Chronic pain, Pictorial metaphor