Narrating traumas and transgressions Links between narrative processing, wisdom, and well-being

Document Type

Journal Article

Role

Author

Standard Number

1387-6740

Journal Title

Narrative Inquiry

Volume

20

Issue

2

First Page

246

Last Page

273

Publication Date

2010

Abstract

In this study, we examined similarities and differences between narratives of two types of negative events, traumas and transgressions. We examined both mean-level differences in qualities exhibited in the narratives (growth, complexity, resolution) and similarities/differences in how those narrative qualities relate to important outcomes related to personality, including wisdom and well-being. We found that traumas tend to be considered more important to the self than transgressions, though narratives did not differ in their levels of resolution, growth, or complexity. Additionally, we found that attributing personal growth to transgression experiences was associated with higher levels of wisdom, whereas resolution in trauma narratives was associated with higher levels of well-being. --author-supplied description

Share

COinS