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In:Expanding Horizons in Systemic Functional Linguistics: Interdisciplinary applications, multimodality, and theoretical advances
Edited by Claudia E. Stoian and Christian M.I.M. Matthiessen
[Studies in Functional and Structural Linguistics 80] 2027
► pp. 258–275

Chapter 12
Construing pain

Contributions and challenges of applying the Appraisal framework in healthcare communication

ORCiD logo with link | Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
This content is being prepared for publication; it may be subject to changes.
Abstract
This chapter reports findings from a ten-year research initiative in Chile and Argentina that united scholars in health communication. The project aimed to guide healthcare professionals, caregivers, and policymakers on the implications of linguistic choices in clinical interactions. Using the Appraisal framework, linguists analysed autobiographical accounts of chronic pain patients to explore interpersonal meanings in healthcare contexts. While the analysis yielded insights into affect and emotion, interdisciplinary collaboration posed challenges: mental health researchers often viewed Appraisal categories as impressionistic and lacking psychological rigor. Drawing on our experience, we critically assess the framework’s applicability for interdisciplinary health research and propose directions for integrating linguistic and psychological perspectives.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Expanding or modifying the model? Real possibilities and criticisms to the original proposal
  • 3.Our contributions to the understanding of the chronic pain experience: The language of endometriosis
  • 4.Context of the studies
  • 5.Some relevant aspects to consider in evaluation analysis
    • 5.1Oversimplified view of emotions
    • 5.2Limits to interactive interdisciplinary dialogue with health professionals
    • 5.3Limits in the amount of meaning that is encoded in oral interaction
  • 6.Final remarks
  • Acknowledgements
  • Notes
  • References
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