The Role of Common Physical Properties and Augmental Functions in Metaphor Effect

Metaphor is a tool frequently used in psychotherapy such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a contextual behavioral model of psychological intervention rooted in an approach to human language and cognition known as Relational Frame Theory (RFT). This experimental analogue study aimed to analyze the effect of two variables in the metaphor effect on promoting psychological flexibility according to RFT: (a) the presence of common physical properties between the individual’s experience and the metaphor, and (b) the specification of appetitive augmental functions in the metaphor content. A 2x2 factorial design was implemented where the presence/absence of the above-mentioned variables was manipulated. Eighty-three participants first responded to measures of experiential avoidance, cognitive fusion, and generalized pliance. Subsequently, they were exposed to a cold-pressor task at pretest. Afterwards, participants were randomly assigned to four experimental protocols consisting of a metaphor that included: (a) common physical properties and augmental functions, (b) only common physical properties, (c) only augmental functions, and (d) none of these variables. Then, participants were re-exposed to the cold-pressor task (posttest). The results showed that both variables had a statistically significant effect on the pain tolerance induced by the cold-pressor task. How to cite: Sierra MA, Ruiz FJ, Flórez, CL, Riaño-Hernández D, & Luciano C (2016). The Role of Common Physical Properties and Augmental Functions in Metaphor Effect. International Journal of Psychology and Psychological Therapy, 16, 265-279.