No abstract

As a result of the popularization of the narrative idea and the considerable diversity existing among narrative studies, a rather "all included" conception has arisen, in which the framework of narrative inquiry has been significantly blurred. For narrative inquiry to persist as a unique mode of investigation into human nature, a complementary dialogue is required that aims at outlining its core, alongside the emphasis given in the literature on diversity as its hallmark. As a possible reference point for this debate, recognizing the narrative paradigm that has crystallized since the "narrative turn" is suggested. The narrative paradigm is discussed in light of six major dimensions -ontology, epistemology, methodology, inquiry aim, inquirer posture and participant/narrator posture -indicating that it coincides with other interpretive paradigms in certain aspects yet proffers a unique philosophical infrastructure that gives rise to particular methodological principles and methods. Considering the narrative paradigm as the essence of narrative inquiry asserts that the latter is not confined to a methodology, as often implied. Rather it constitutes a full-fledged research Weltanschauung that intimately connects the "hows" of investigation to the "whats", namely premises about the nature of reality and our relationships with it.

Aiming at a tight correspondence between narrative epistemology and methodology, a model for interpreting narratives is proposed that derives from a theoretical conception of how identities are claimed via stories. The narrative production is conceived as consisting of six mechanisms of selection, through which biographical facts are chosen, filtered, and sorted, with the purpose of confirming an established end point. Accordingly, the analysis seeks to identify the expressions of these mechanisms in a given story, as a way to recognize the identity being claimed. A holistic interpretive strategy underlies the process, requiring that both life and story be considered, treating the narrative as a whole unit, regarding form and content, paying attention to contexts, and employing a multidimensional interdisciplinary lens. Following the presentation of the interpretive model and its underlying theoretical foundation, the analysis is demonstrated through life stories of retired senior officers from Israel’s founding generation.

Although war is a central setting in which men are judged by their success in meeting gendered societal expectations, literature regarding the effects of (a) exposure to a combat event and (b) combat-related posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) on a men’s sense of masculinity is limited. The aim of the current study was to examine how Israeli veterans with PTSS perceived their masculinity as a result of the traumatic combat event. We also wished to better understand how they achieve their sense of manhood, while coping with PTSS, and the contributions of war and its aftermath to gender role stress in the Israeli context. A qualitative phenomenological study was conducted. Fourteen Israeli former combat soldiers with PTSS participated in comprehensive interviews in which common themes were identified via content analysis. The findings revealed two main changes in the veteran’s sense of masculinity: (a) a crisis in achieving a sense of masculinity due to the traumatic event, and the veteran’s self-perception as having failed to fulfill “manly” expectations, and (b) extremism in traditional masculine behaviors as compensation for that crisis. These findings point to how the PTSS-afflicted veteran’s sense of manhood is affected by his perceptions of the ideal Israeli warrior, and how these perceptions contribute to a unique form of gender role stress: a narcissistic masculine wound, which may lead men to use violence and hypersexuality in an attempt to reclaim their masculinity. The role of attitudes toward traditional masculine norms in the process of treatment, change, and recovery is discussed.

Well-established narrative research has major implications for practice and policy in recovery-oriented mental health care. The narrative inquiry paradigm offers a possible path to enhancing the distinctive virtues of this research, realizing its potential in understanding and promoting MHR.