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Case Studies

There are many research methods available to psychologists in their efforts to understand, describe, and explain behavior and the cognitive and biological processes that underlie it.

The Sense of Self: Reflected Self-Appraisal and Social Comparison

The Sense of Self: Reflected Self-Appraisal and Social Comparison

According to Charles Cooley, we base our image on what we think other people see (Cooley 1902). We imagine how we must appear to others, then react to this speculation. We don certain clothes, prepare our hair in a particular manner, wear makeup, use cologne, and the like—all with the notion that our presentation of ourselves is going to affect how others perceive us. We expect a certain reaction, and, if lucky, we get the one we desire and feel good about it. But more than that, Cooley...

Fundamental Attribution Error

Fundamental Attribution Error

According to some social psychologists, people tend to overemphasize internal factors as explanations—or attributions—for the behavior of other people. They tend to assume that the behavior of another person is a trait of that person, and to underestimate the power of the situation on the behavior of others. They tend to fail to recognize when the behavior of another is due to situational variables, and thus to the person’s state. This erroneous assumption is called the fundamental attribution...

Humanistic Psychology

Humanistic Psychology

Humanistic psychology emerged in the mid-20th century as a response to the deterministic and pessimistic nature of behaviorism and psychoanalysis. While behaviorism focused on observable behaviors influenced by the environment and psychoanalysis delved into unconscious motivations, both theories suggested that human actions lacked free will. In contrast, humanistic psychology offers a perspective that emphasizes the innate potential for goodness and growth within every individual.
This approach...

Autobiographical Memory

Autobiographical Memory

Autobiographical memory is a unique type of episodic memory that involves recollecting personal life experiences. It allows individuals to remember significant events from their past, creating a narrative of their lives. One interesting phenomenon related to autobiographical memory is the reminiscence bump. This effect refers to the tendency of adults to recall more events from their second and third decades of life — typically between ages 10 to 30 — than from other periods. This period is...

Personal Identity

Personal Identity

Personal identity is the deeply felt sense of self that individuals cultivate over time, intricately woven from intrinsic qualities they consider essential to their existence—qualities such as morality, intelligence, and friendliness. These attributes serve as vital internal benchmarks, guiding individuals in evaluating whether their actions resonate with their true selves.When personal identity takes center stage in one's life, individuals often emphasize their distinctiveness, highlighting...

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Using Visual and Narrative Methods to Achieve Fair Process in Clinical Care

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Published on: February 17, 2011

The Personal-Story Approach.

Carl Goldberg¹, Virginia R Crespo

¹Department of Social Work, Roosevelt-St Luke's Hospital, New York City, USA.

American Journal of Psychotherapy

|September 10, 2003

Summary

This psychotherapy approach teaches clients to courageously examine their life stories and compassionately listen to others. It equips them to identify and overcome self-deceptions for greater personal authenticity.

Area of Science:

Psychology
Psychotherapy
Personal Development

Background:

Clients often struggle with self-deception and difficulties in intimate relationships.
Effective therapeutic tools are needed to foster self-awareness and authentic connection.

Purpose of the Study:

To introduce the Personal-Story Approach for psychotherapy clients.
To enhance clients' ability to understand their life experiences and connect with others.

Main Methods:

Instructs clients on intelligent and courageous self-reflection.
Guides clients in compassionate listening to others for intimacy.
Provides tools to recognize and work through self-deceptions.

Main Results:

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Last Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Using Visual and Narrative Methods to Achieve Fair Process in Clinical Care

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Brain Imaging Investigation of the Neural Correlates of Emotional Autobiographical Recollection

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Assessing the Coherence of Parents' Short Narratives Regarding their Child Using the Five-Minute Speech Sample Procedure

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Clients gain the capacity for deeper self-understanding.

Improved ability to foster intimate connections through compassionate listening.

Clients are empowered to confront and overcome self-deception.

Conclusions:

The Personal-Story Approach facilitates personal authenticity.
This method enhances both self-awareness and interpersonal connectedness.
A case example demonstrates the approach's practical application and efficacy.