Narrative identity disturbances in psychopathology: An ecologically valid transdiagnostic framework

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Psychopathology
• Narrative Identity Research

Background:

• Problems with self and identity are central to psychopathology but understudied due to varied conceptualizations.
• Disorder-specific theories explain etiology, yet transdiagnostic parallels exist in the effects on reflective experience.
• These disturbances impact the sense of self across time and are shaped by social interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present an ecologically valid, transdiagnostic framework for narrative identity disturbances.
• To unify the understanding of self and identity problems across different psychological disorders.
• To emphasize the developmental and contextual nature of self-disturbance.

Main Methods:

• The study proposes a theoretical framework, not empirical data collection.
• It synthesizes existing literature on self-disturbance and narrative identity.
• Focuses on conceptual integration for a unified model.

Main Results:

• Narrative identity disturbances share transdiagnostic parallels in reflective experience.
• A unified model should be idiographic, developmental, and emphasize ecological validity.
• Narrative identity offers a coherent framework for cross-diagnostic understanding.

Conclusions:

• Narrative identity is a promising framework for understanding self-disturbance across psychopathology.
• Future research should focus on transdiagnostic samples, diverse populations, and improved assessment.
• Enhancing narrative identity research will improve idiographic, developmental, and clinical applications.