Motivation may link to the meaning through which people experience illness and treatment.

It was believed that the spot struck on the straw doll corresponded to the area of the body where the target would begin to experience illness or injury.

Manners later admitted that the episode was his only credit for the series during which he experienced illness.

Pesticides and other chemicals used in farming can also be hazardous to worker health, and workers exposed to pesticides may experience illnesses or birth defects.