Abstract
Psychologists have long been interested in the self and its development . In more recent times, the study of self has taken a narrative turn. Works from McAdams , MacIntyre , and Chandler, Lalonde, Sokol, and Hallett have emphasized the importance of a narrative representation of the self and have linked specific features of the development and organization of these narratives to an assortment of psychological outcomes. Our interest in narratives began when we started listening to the life stories of moral exemplars . What became apparent was that moral exemplars’ narratives were not only filled with commendable good deeds, but that the stories were also highly integrated and coherent, thus impressing upon the reader a sense of self-unity.
He’d hit us, and if we said “ow” or anything, he’d be like “Don’t do that or I’ll give you something to cry about”.... And then one night he came upstairs. I was in my bedroom getting ready for bed and he told me to take off all my clothe…. I freaked out.
~ Amy
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Matsuba, M.K., Elder, G., Petrucci, F., Reimer, K.S. (2010). Re-storying the Lives of At-Risk Youth: A Case Study Approach. In: McLean, K., Pasupathi, M. (eds) Narrative Development in Adolescence. Advancing Responsible Adolescent Development. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-89825-4_7
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