Analogic and symbolic dimensions in graphic representations associated with patient information leaflets for medicines

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to assess the mental images associated with different categories of patient medical information, depending on literacy level. 52 participants divided into two groups (high vs. low literacy) were asked to draw the first picture that came to mind after reading or hearing information taken from leaflets supplied with medication. There were 16 items of information in total. The drawings were analysed using a symbolism grid. Results suggest that each group produced specific visual representations of the information items. Participants in the high-literacy group tended to draw symbolic forms to illustrate the medical information, while those in the low-literacy one mainly produced concrete forms. Each group had its own set of canonical forms. These findings underscore the need to use health pictograms in medical practice, providing they correspond to the social representations of individuals with low literacy, to ensure optimum treatment adherence and reduce the risk of misunderstandings.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Golda Cohen

Golda Cohen is an Assistant Professor of Social Psychology at Angers University (France). She is a member of the Pays de la Loire Psychology Laboratory (EA4638). Her research interests include social representations, communication, iconography, and mental images.

Pascal Moliner

Pascal Moliner is a Full Professor of Social Psychology at Paul Valéry – Montpellier 3 University (France). He is currently a member of Epsylon laboratory (EA4556) and Director of the Master “Cognitive et sociocognitive dynamics”. His last publication, Social Psychology of Pictures (Cambridge Scholar Publishing), explores the relationship between representations and images, including media images.