Glossary / Lexicon

Narrative is defined as a verbal description of past events that is no longer than a single utterance.

In the field of psychology, a narrative refers to a story that individuals construct to make sense of their lives, experiences, and identities. Narratives can provide insight into an individual's personality, behavior, emotions, and relationships, and they can also influence how people interpret events and interact with others. Narrative therapy is a form of psychotherapy that emphasizes the importance of personal stories and encourages clients to reframe their narratives in a way that promotes healing and growth.

There are many different types of narratives in psychology, including life stories, identity narratives, illness narratives, and cultural narratives. Life stories are the narratives people create about their past experiences and the events that have shaped their lives. Identity narratives refer to the stories people tell themselves about who they are and what defines them. Illness narratives are the stories people construct about their experiences with illness or disability. Cultural narratives are the shared stories and beliefs that define a particular culture or group.

Narratives can take many forms, including verbal stories, written accounts, visual art, and music. They can be positive or negative, accurate or distorted, and can change over time. For example, someone who has experienced trauma may initially construct a narrative that emphasizes their victimhood and powerlessness, but with time and therapy, they may be able to reframe their narrative to emphasize their resilience and strength.

Narrative therapy is a form of psychotherapy that seeks to help clients understand and reframe their life stories. It is based on the idea that the stories we tell ourselves about our lives influence our emotions, behaviors, and relationships. Narrative therapy encourages clients to identify the dominant themes in their life stories and to explore alternative narratives that may promote healing and growth.

One technique used in narrative therapy is externalizing the problem, which involves separating the person from the problem they are experiencing. This can help clients view their problems from a different perspective and can allow them to explore new narratives that emphasize their strengths and resources.

Another technique used in narrative therapy is re-authoring, which involves creating a new narrative that reframes a person's life story in a more positive or empowering way. For example, a person who has struggled with addiction may initially view themselves as weak and powerless, but with therapy, they may be able to reframe their narrative to emphasize their strength and resilience in overcoming their addiction.

Narrative therapy is just one example of the importance of narratives in psychology. The stories we tell ourselves and others about our lives can shape our experiences and influence our perceptions of ourselves and others. Understanding and reframing our narratives can be a powerful tool for personal growth and healing.

Similar concepts in psychology include constructivism, which emphasizes the importance of personal construction of knowledge and meaning, and cognitive behavioral therapy, which focuses on identifying and challenging negative or distorted thoughts and beliefs.