Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 19, 2026
Using Visual and Narrative Methods to Achieve Fair Process in Clinical Care
Published on: February 16, 2011
Memory in narratives and stories: implications for nursing research
Emma Pascale Blakey1, Debra Jackson2, Helen Walthall3
1OxINMAHR, The Colonnade, Oxford, England.
Background:
Memory, as a concept, is rarely discussed or described in qualitative research. However, memories are central to the stories people tell about their experiences of health and illness, which are often the focus of nursing enquiry. Memories also have the potential to be sensitive or traumatic.
Aim:
To consider the implications of memory for qualitative research by exploring the following issues: What is memory? What are the implications for using it in research? How can research participants and researchers best be supported in qualitative research when sensitive or traumatic memories are involved?
Discussion:
Memory is imperfect, complex and dependent on context. Memories are connected to meaning and are central to identity. Qualitative research should appreciate the complexities of memory. Nurses undertaking qualitative research should be mindful of the potentially sensitive or traumatic nature of memories. Both participants and researchers can be affected and care should be taken during the research.
Conclusion:
Memory should not be taken for granted. The meanings underpinning memories are central to qualitative enquiry and are to be valued.
Implications For Practice:
The strategies described in this paper can support researchers and participants when dealing with traumatic or sensitive memories.
Related Concept Videos
14:32Using Visual and Narrative Methods to Achieve Fair Process in Clinical Care
09:05Assessing Working Memory in Children: The Comprehensive Assessment Battery for Children – Working Memory (CABC-WM)
10:07Using Learning Outcome Measures to assess Doctoral Nursing Education
07:59Memory Development: Demonstrating How Repeated Questioning Leads to False Memories
A person is defined as a unique individual based on the people and events they encounter in their lives. Thus, creating, storing, and recalling memories are essential elements of the human experience. However, memory, as adults experience it, takes time to develop. Although young children can learn facts and remember details of their lives from moment-to-moment and day-to-day, they do not create...
07:56Assessing the Coherence of Parents' Short Narratives Regarding their Child Using the Five-Minute Speech Sample Procedure
09:13A Real-world What-Where-When Memory Test