Broken Narratives by Stressful Life Events: An Intervention for Narrative Identity Reconstruction

The present paper aims to introduce a constructivist narrative intervention for Narrative Identity Reconstruction (NIR) in working with clients with a history of stressful life events (SLE). This intervention is based on a proposed conceptual framework explaining how SLE affects narrative identity. First, we provide a conceptual model to show the theoretical links between SLE and narrative identity through the three functions of making meaning, unity, and purpose. The present conceptualization proposes that concepts of meaning-making, self-concept clarity, and agency should improve for narrative identity reconstruction. For designing therapy steps, we were inspired by the procedure of the Life Design process for reconstructing narrative identity. We defined the following steps: (a) construct self-story through small stories, (b) deconstruct these stories, (c) reconstruct them into an identity narrative or life portrait, and (d) co-construct intentions that lead to the next action episode in the real world. We hope NIR can help clients construct a robust self-narrative in which the SLE is not a confusing and distressing experience leading to a broken narrative; instead, it can make sense and integrate into the bigger picture of self-narrative. It is suggested that future research empirically examine the NIR to explore the feasibility and effectiveness of the intervention in mental health settings.

Automated summary

This paper introduces a constructivist narrative intervention for Narrative Identity Reconstruction (NIR) in clients with a history of stressful life events. The intervention is based on a conceptual framework that explains how these events affect narrative identity. The therapy steps are inspired by the Life Design process and aim to help clients construct a robust self-narrative where stressful life events are integrated into the bigger picture of their identity.