Life Themes and Interpersonal Motivational Systems in the Narrative Self-construction

What makes unique and unrepeatable individuals is their ability to write their own story attributing meaning, sharing it through narration, giving coherence to the information related to the interpersonal motivational systems, and creating alternative hierarchies to those biologically provided by the genetic code. Through clinical narratives and narrative literature, we can observe the recurrence of specific topics, across time and different cultures. Hence, we wondered whether there are some evolutionary suggestions that guide us in the construction of the narrative-autobiographical contents. In this article we proposed a theoretical-clinical hypothesis about the existence of a biological disposition to identify as fundamental six Life Themes (LTs) that contribute to defining the image of the self and the world: Love, Personal Value, Power, Justice, Truth, and Freedom. Besides the innumerable narratives dependent upon context, there may be many ways of telling stories that, instead, would be reported to these few essential themes. A narrative review of the literature about these concepts follows the systematic explanation of the perspective about the LTs as attractors of meaning. The manuscript considers also the process of co-construction of meanings within the interpersonal relationships and the influences of these on the narratives. In particular, we focused on the importance of episodic and autobiographical memory related to the attachment and significant figures, in the construction of the personal story and the LTs. We also explained the possible clinical implications of the theoretical hypothesis of LTs. Within clinical conversations, the LTs could be expressed rigidly or, otherwise, in a confused way. The lack of narrative integration may lead to the dominance of chaos or rigidity that generates suffering. A better comprehension of the LTs in patients’ narrations could be useful to identify a narrative profile about the areas of greatest suffering related to the idea of self and the world, as well as to construct an adequate care plan.

Seniors' attributions for task performance difficulties: implications for feelings of task efficacy

Some seniors face difficulties carrying out simple everyday tasks such as opening containers and turning doorknobs. This study began with the premise that seniors' appraisals about such difficulties may have consequences for feelings of task efficacy (e.g., feelings of control and optimism). Attributions to poor product design (an external/environmental factor) and to limitations (an internal/personal factor) were considered in addition to joint attributions to both factors. After controlling for health and gender, type of attribution for task difficulties was found to relate to feelings of task efficacy. Overall, the results suggest that seniors may be advantaged by viewing their performance difficulties as a consequence of poor product design. Compared to their counterparts, these individuals reported the highest levels of control, ability to cope, optimism, and beliefs about overcoming problems. Individuals who made joint attributions reported feeling most helpless and unable to cope with the present problems.

Community-dwelling older adults' attributions about falls

OBJECTIVE

To examine the extent to which 162 older adults attributed the cause of their fall to their own limitations and to their surroundings, and the relationship of these attributions with selected sociodemographic, health-related, locus of control, and fall-related characteristics.

DESIGN

A stratified (by age > or = 65, gender, and area of residence) random sample; needs assessment survey on products and services to enhance independent living among older adults; included section on falls.

SETTING

Community-dwelling individuals in both urban and rural settings.

PARTICIPANTS

Potential respondents were drawn from the Manitoba Health database. Overall refusal rate was 22%. Final number of 1,406 participants were interviewed; 162 of these participants reported a fall.

MAIN MEASURES

Outcome measures were: (1) the extent to which the fall was attributed to "own limitations" (internal attribution), and (2) the extent to which the fall was attributed to "surroundings" (external attribution).

RESULTS

There is diversity in the extent to which individuals attribute falls to internal and external causes. Stepwise regression analyses indicated those reporting poorer self-rated health (p < .001); having dexterity difficulties (p < .01); and living in an apartment (p < .05) were more likely to attribute the fall to their own limitations. Those reporting better self-rated health (p < .01); and falling outdoors (p < .01) were more likely to attribute the fall to the surroundings.

CONCLUSIONS

Fall attributions need to be more fully examined in the context of self-rated health and fall prevention programs.