The Story of the Self in the Aftermath of Crisis: A Case Study

Grimell, Jan

doi:10.1080/10720537.2015.1079509

Cited by 18 publications

(28 citation statements)

References 30 publications

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“…A transition may or may not lead to crisis; however, a crisis and a transition have rather different impacts on the self from a dialogical outlook. Presented elsewhere it has been suggested that as life is lived, unexpected and traumatic changes may result in crisis ( Grimell, 2016 ). A crisis is understood as a disorganization of the self when core positions are changed or compromised.…”

Section: Conceptualizationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Making dialogue with an existential voice in transition from military to civilian life

Grimell

2017

Theory & Psychology

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Dialogical Self Theory has contributed to the endeavors to map and grid self-identity work in transition from military to civilian life throughout an empirical and longitudinal research project which focuses on existential dimensions. This article is based on a case study from this project and centers upon Sergeant Jonas, who, upon his return from deployment in Afghanistan, struggled with his transition as a new existential position was vocalized throughout the following annual interviews. This voice narrated feelings of meaninglessness, emptiness, and of having been deceived. In turn, this existential voice required an answer to a question which apparently had no answer. The meaning-making eventually evolved into an acceptance which enabled Jonas to proceed with his life. Dialogical processes between positions are important in order to go on with life amid existential concerns in the aftermath of military service since dialogicality of the self opens up a complex of dynamics of meaning-making processes, negotiations, and transformations. Based on the findings, it is suggested that the Personal Position Repertoire could potentially be strengthened by the addition of an internal existential position to its standard repertoire, at least when working with military personnel and/or veterans.

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Section: Conceptualizationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Making dialogue with an existential voice in transition from military to civilian life

Grimell

2017

Theory & Psychology

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“…Levels of narrated tension, cooperation, harmony, and dialogue were attached to coded narrative identities, as were experiences or emotional states of meaning, purpose, and sadness, to name a few. Based upon the coded narrative identities, a corresponding set of I-positions was developed (Grimell, 2015a(Grimell, , 2015b(Grimell, , 2016b. The described process of analysis and coding in Atlas.ti made it possible to compare the development and interaction among pre-existing and new I-positions of the self over time.…”

Section: Analytical Methodologymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Such processes of the self are in general described and understood from psychological, social, and cultural perspectives; thus, it feels complementary to gain a broader perspective by considering the spiritual dimensions of inquiry. In the process of transitioning to a civilian, a military I-position may initially be described as causing conflict within the self, perhaps even by growing overly dominant in some cases with negative implications from a dialogical outlook (Grimell, 2015a(Grimell, , 2015b(Grimell, , 2016b. In contrast, transitioning away from active service can easily be expected to lead to a distinct decline of the military I-position.…”

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confidence: 99%

Embodiment of the Spirit: A Case Study

Grimell¹

2017

SPC

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Adopting a longitudinal approach to exploring the psychology of the transition from military to civilian life, one case study is presented that adds a spiritual perspective to the transition process. This case study serves as an example representative from a group of participants who have been followed through a research project on identity reconstruction during the transition to civilian life. This individual, not unlike many others within the group, undergoes an unexpected progression of the military I-position of the self throughout the process of becoming a civilian. This study utilizes a dialogical approach to the identity work to further the understanding of longitudinal adjustments to the self. An analysis of the narrative developments and interactions among pre-existing and new I-positions of the self over time has been made based upon three annually conducted interviews spanning from 2014 to 2016. The results lead to the suggestion that if a military I-position of the self grows more salient and voiced throughout the process of transitioning into civilian life, then this vocalization may be related to the spirit of a person embodied in a specific I-position of the self. Such growth of a military I-position after leaving active service may gravitate around a deep sense of "who I am" with a profound sense of meaning attached to this position. Instead of perceiving as an unwanted development the growth of a military sense of "who I am," one should acknowledge it as a deeper dimension of self and life. It is important to find an outlet for such a progression of the self so as to sustain balance and dialogue. Future research is encouraged to further examine these qualitative findings.

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“…"The many are the main characters; the one is the story within which the characters are given form, function, and voice" (McAdams, 1997, p. 118). This implies a set of I-positions that author a set of characters which become united, likely with tension and multiple plotlines, through a personal story of who I am (Grimell, 2016b).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Service Member's Self in Transition: A Longitudinal Case Study Analysis

Grimell¹

2016

Journal of Constructivist Psychology

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Adopting a narrative approach with a dialogical framework, a longitudinal case study is presented that describes a service member's self in transition from active service into the civilian population. An analysis and interpretation of the case study leads to the hypothesis that if a dominant military I-position appears in the self, a transition may initially create decentering movements of the self that in turn decrease integration and dialogical capacity of the self. New narrative concepts of who one is to become may take time to shape and anchor in corresponding I-position(s) of the self, and self-adaption may only reach a certain level of integration. However, the rise of a third position may unify two conflicting parts, or I-positions, of the self. This may prove to be a promising development for integration and dialogue of the self. Future research is encouraged that examines this hypothesis more broadly.

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The Story of the Self in the Aftermath of Crisis: A Case Study

Cited by 18 publications

References 30 publications

Making dialogue with an existential voice in transition from military to civilian life

Making dialogue with an existential voice in transition from military to civilian life

Embodiment of the Spirit: A Case Study

A Service Member's Self in Transition: A Longitudinal Case Study Analysis

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