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The life narrative at midlife.

Dan P McAdams1

  • 1Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois.

New Directions for Child and Adolescent Development
|September 25, 2014
PubMed
Summary

Adults use life stories to find meaning and purpose, especially during midlife. Generative adults often frame their lives as redemption narratives, reflecting cultural themes.

Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Narrative Psychology

Background:

  • Bertram Cohler's 1982 work proposed life narration as central to psychological development.
  • Late 1970s psychology questioned life consistency, contrasting with Cohler's narrative approach.
  • Cohler shifted focus from personality traits to narrative identity, emphasizing autobiographical authorship.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To situate Cohler's vision within its historical context.
  • To explore the role of narrative identity in psychological development.
  • To examine how midlife adults use life stories for generativity and meaning.

Main Methods:

  • Conceptual analysis of Bertram Cohler's work.
  • Review of research on narrative identity over 30 years.

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  • Analysis of contemporary research on midlife generativity and life narratives.

    • Main Results:

    • Narrative identity research confirms that people use stories to create unity, purpose, and meaning.
    • Generative adults in American society often construct their lives as redemption narratives.
    • Life stories serve as psychological resources for midlife adults, reflecting cultural themes.

    Conclusions:

    • Life narration is a key aspect of psychological development and life course challenges.
    • Narrative identity research has validated and expanded upon Cohler's initial concepts.
    • Personal redemption narratives are significant for midlife generativity and psychological well-being.