Narrative Identity in Late Adulthood

Abstract

Narrative identity is recognized as a process and viewed in dynamic terms, as an entity subject to constant changes in the course of one's life. It is assumed that an increasing need to make changes in one's history of life emerges in middle adulthood. A generative script is revealed, containing a plan to become part of the lives of future generations. The process of creative integration of one's life story may gather momentum in late adulthood, when individuals explore their identity in the context of their life's work. In order to test the above assumptions, narratives of participants aged 65-80 years who were wives/mothers/grandmothers or husbands/fathers/grandfathers during their lives were analyzed. Six main themes characteristic of life stories in late adulthood were identified, along with groups of traits, behaviors and values which participants wished to pass on to subsequent generations. The narratives clearly featured a generative motivation and the need to integrate one's story.

A cross-sectional study using self-defining memories to explore personal identity throughout adulthood.

“…Specifically, they tell themselves and others who they are and how they became who they are now, but also who they think they will become in the future (McAdams & McLean, 2013). As they integrate new events and experiences during their life course, individuals revise their stories throughout adult life (e.g., Cierpka, 2012; Habermas & Bluck, 2000). McLean (2008) compared the representation of self in young and older adults and highlighted that younger individuals build more their identity in terms of change and older individuals in terms of stability.…”

The last chapters of life: A proposed research agenda for studying narrative identity in older adulthood

“…Older adults ( M age = 71.9) have also been found to be more inclined than younger adults ( M age = 19.0) to use their life story narratives to offer guidance or advice from their own experiences to others (McLean & Lilgendahl, 2008). A study by Cierpka (2012) identified “generative transfer” as a major theme of elders’ narrative interviews about family and the life story. This included passing wisdom to the interviewer directly and describing the passage of family traits and values between past and future generations.…”

Exploring Characteristics of Self-Defining Memories in Older Adults

“…On the one hand, according to the rupture theory, retired people lose a part of their identity with the end of work (e.g., Bouteyre & Lopez, 2005) and have to adjust their sources of meaning to maintain their self (Leclerc et al, 2003). As an example, they need to redefine their familial and social relationships (Cierpka, 2012). On the other hand, according to the continuity theory (Atchley, 1989), retirees rely on their past experiences and social roles to adapt to their new status and ensure continuity in their lives.…”