Narrative competence and constructive developmental theory: A proposal for rewriting the Bildungsroman in the postmodern world

Journal/Book: J Adult Development. 1996; 3: 233 Spring St, New York, NY 10013. Plenum Publ Corp. 109-125.

Abstract: Some of the chief characteristics of the narrative psychology of Bruner, Polkinghorne, Sarbin, Freeman, Howard, and White and Epston are outlined with implications for therapy discussed. Narrative psychology is then related to some current models of adult development, including those of Kegan, Perry, Belenky, Labouvie-Vief, Levinson, Basseches, and Pascual-Leone. Types of narrative competence are discussed and an argument is made that developmental readiness for narrative must be considered if narrative approaches are going to be applied. Different types of narrative approaches are shown to be indicative of particular developmental stages. The social relativism of narrative psychology is addressed and it is argued that developmental models provide a scheme for assessing the maturity of alternative narrative constructions.

Note: Article RR Irwin, Brock Univ, Dept Child Studies, 500 Glenridge Ave, St Catharines, on L2S 3A1, Canada

Keyword(s): narrative; adult development; relativism; dialectic; LIFE-SPAN; NONCOGNITIVE FACTORS; ADULTHOOD; PSYCHOTHERAPY; MODES; SELF

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