Problematizing Therapeutic Assumptions About Narratives: A Case Study of Storytelling Events in a Post-Conflict Context

Abstract

Narrative approaches to health communication research have often been characterized by assumptions of the therapeutic and ameliorative effect of narratives. In this article, I call these assumptions into question by critically engaging extant research in narrative health communication research in light of testimony by a participant in South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Drawing on his personal narrative, numerous retellings of his story in public and academic discourse, and his responses to his story's appropriation, I demonstrate the importance of conducting narrative research and theorizing with an appreciation of its therapeutic potential, as well as its ability to harm.

“What a Loser That Guy Was”: Norm Macdonald’s Humorous Critique of the Romantic/Warrior Narrative

“…Instead of building cancer up to be a powerful enemy that must be vanquished, cancer patients could potentially mock the cancer to make it seem less threatening. Future researchers are also encouraged to investigate and balance the positive ramifications of storytelling with the “dark side” of illness trauma narratives (Cole, 2010). The inclusion of humor in the recounting of stressful experiences could further complicate this issue.…”

“…Accounts are chaotic when narrators lose their autonomous voice to the uncontrollable and irrevocable circumstances they describe (Frank, 1995). Scholars have also argued that the therapeutic potential of narration is frequently overstated in the health communication literature (Cole, 2010). As a result, illness narratives that indicate areas of unredemptive pain, suffering, and unresolved coping are rarely given significant attention when they should be used to encourage patients to discuss their experiences with medical professionals and loved ones (Sharf, 2005).…”

Caught in a Web of Multiple Jeopardy: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and HIV-Positive Asylum Seekers in Scotland

“…Cole (2010) argued that while storytelling can be therapeutic and have beneficial outcomes for some, they can have a negative impact for others, especially if they are used as a political tool. Consequently, if power differences are ignored and stories are used inappropriately they can be harmful.…”

Engaging through storytelling: the interplay of engagement with a story, cause, and charity

“…In contexts other than prosocial, narrative transportation is recognised as a means to influence attitudes (Boukes and LaMarre 2021), learning outcomes (Moore and Miller 2020) or health (Cole 2010), and some researchers suggest customer engagement as one of the mechanisms of storytelling's impact (Coker et al 2021;Kemp et al 2021;Kim et al 2016). Although some researchers recognise cognitive, affective, and conative effects as mechanisms of storytelling's impact (Ben Youssef et al 2019;Dessart and Pitardi 2019), the findings are mixed and only applicable in certain contexts (i.e.…”