Volume 50, 2018
Philosophy of Education
Nick Eaves
Pages 59-63
The Emergence of Life Story in Adolescence
The life story as identity is an important concept in the formation of self. Identity, dependent on interaction with others is constantly evolving. Individuals living in modern societies begin to organize their lives in terms of self-stories in late adolescence (McAdams, 2004). Meanings and values attributed to self-stories are interpretative and are therefore highly subjective. Problems arise in clarifying defining moments, due to their subjective, interpretive nature. It could be argued the maturing self can only construe in a limited number of ways, as is dictated by limited life experiences. The evolving story of the self can, paradoxically, be negatively affected by the self-narratives which create the life story. Any event has a number of potential explanations or interpretations. The internalized narrative is not necessarily an accurate reflection of the event, thus the individual. Is moderating of internalized narrative a missing element in the development of the self? As educators could we by moderating internalizations through dialogue, lead to greater clarity in the development of life story?