Self-concept can shape the way people recall key events in their life. Confronting personal myths may help people develop a more realistic view of themselves and their past. When you consider the past events in your life, what do you believe define those key turning points?
What Your Life Story Says About You
The idea of the “life story” (Whitbourne, 1985) defines this personal narrative as a reflection of your own sense of self, or identity.
- Some experiences in your life may have a solid basis in reality, such as those objective facts about your place and time of birth, but other experiences may reflect your interpretation of your life events.
- The prominent themes in your identity can emerge from certain characteristics you hold based on your gender, race, race/ethnicity, age, place where you live, and social class.
Judging Personality from Life Stories
Even strangers should be able to provide moderately accurate judgements of your personality just by hearing a narrative
- People who tend to engage in a great deal of worry, self-doubt, and anxiety are the easiest to rate based on the words alone that they use to tell their stories
- By contrast, people high on the personality trait of openness to experience, or the willingness to entertain fantasies, enjoy the arts, and play with ideas, told stories that were most likely to disguise their self-rated traits
Challenging the Myths You Tell About Yourself
You are always telling your story to others, but you also tell it to yourself.
- Understanding that myths can shape the way you see yourself can help give you clarity in understanding your identity, a process that can continue to shape fulfillment as you continue to merge new events into the saga.
