The role of family stories, reminiscing and adverse life experiences in the development and understanding of individual identity
PhD Thesis
Colbridge, A. 2016. The role of family stories, reminiscing and adverse life experiences in the development and understanding of individual identity. PhD Thesis Canterbury Christ Church University Salomons Centre for Applied Psychology
Authors | Colbridge, A. |
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Type | PhD Thesis |
Qualification name | DClinPsychol |
Abstract | Identity formation may be more complex for those who have been in foster care in the face of childhood abuse, difficult relationships, unstable environments and multiple care contexts but this does not imply there is anything pathological about it. Given the higher levels of mental health difficulties in looked after children and the known role identity has in mental health, whether as a risk or a protective factor, it seems clinically significant to investigate what factors help construct or hinder the formation of identity for those who have been in care. Participants’ construction of identity can be understood in the context of early adverse environments and developmental trauma. This construction of self, in turn mediates how participants understand and experience their identity. Findings were discussed in relation to previous research and limitations were outlined. Implications for future research included giving fuller consideration to the role of developmental trauma in identity formation. Clinical implications encourage understanding of looked after children and care-leavers in the context of developmental trauma, rather than focusing on symptoms of various diagnoses. |
Keywords | identity, looked after children, care-leavers, developmental trauma, mental health |
Year | 2016 |
Supplemental file | File Access Level Restricted |
Publication process dates | |
Deposited | 29 Sep 2016 |
Accepted | 2016 |
Output status | Unpublished |
Accepted author manuscript |
https://repository.canterbury.ac.uk/item/87x6q/the-role-of-family-stories-reminiscing-and-adverse-life-experiences-in-the-development-and-understanding-of-individual-identity
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