METAPHOR AND EMOTION IN MEDICAL POPULARIZATION: HOW METAPHORS SHAPE PATIENT PERCEPTIONS

Metaphors play a crucial role in the popularization of medical knowledge. By translating complex biomedical concepts into familiar terms, metaphors make medical information accessible to the general public. However, they also shape emotional responses, influencing how patients perceive their conditions, treatments, and recovery. This article examines the interplay between metaphor and emotion in popular scientific medical discourse, focusing on how metaphors guide patient perceptions, provide reassurance, or trigger anxiety.