Collective Emotion During Collective Trauma: A Metaphor Analysis of the COVID-19 Pandemic

This study provides insight into lived experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic in United States. Participant metaphors were collected by conducting in-depth semi-structured interviews ( N = 44). Participants asked to compare with an animal and a color, provide contextual sensemaking about their metaphors. A metaphor analysis revealed four convergent mental models participants’ (i.e., uncertainty, danger, grotesque, misery) as well primary emotions associated those grief, disgust, anger, fear). Through metaphor, participants able articulate deeply felt, implicit that otherwise obscured undiscussable. Theoretical practical implications these collective related unprecedented trauma are discussed.