Life Stories and Mental Health: The Role of Identification Processes in Theory and Interventions

Authors

  • Gerben J. Westerhof University of Twente
  • Ernst T. Bohlmeijer University of Twente

Abstract

The goal of this article is to explore the relations between narratives and mental health from a psychological perspective. We argue that a process of identification with personal experiences underlies narrative structures that are known to be related to mental health. Overidentification and underidentification are described as general processes underlying mental health problems. Gerontological insights in reminiscence and life review and cognitive psychological studies on autobiographical memories validate this claim. Practical applications in mental health care provide even further evidence for the role of identification processes in mental health and how they can be targeted in interventions.

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Published

2012-08-02

How to Cite

Westerhof, G. J., & Bohlmeijer, E. T. (2012). Life Stories and Mental Health: The Role of Identification Processes in Theory and Interventions. Narrative Works, 2(1). Retrieved from https://journals.lib.unb.ca/index.php/NW/article/view/19501

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 1 (2012)

Section

Articles

License

Copyright for articles published in Narrative Works is retained by the author(s), with first publication rights granted to Narrative Works. By virtue of their appearance in this open access journal, articles are free to use, with proper attribution, in educational and other non-commercial settings.