The Interplay of “Big Five” Personality Factors and Metaphorical Schemas: A Pilot Study with 20 Lung Transplant Recipients

The aim of the present study was to investigate the interplay between personality factors and metaphorical schemas. The “Big Five” personality factors of 20 patients after lung transplantation were examined with the NEO-FFI. Patients were questioned about their social network, and selfand body-image. The interviews were assessed with metaphor analysis. Significant positive correlations were found between “extraversion” and metaphors for acoustics, play/sport and economy, furthermore between “openness to experience” and metaphors for acoustics, container, battle, illness. A positive correlation was also found between “openness to experience” and metaphor frequency. Significant negative correlations were found between “conscientiousness” and metaphors for illness. The results indicate that personality factors may correspond with certain implicit metaphorical schemas.