Abstract
Research QuestionsIn a first research question, we examined whether the relations that are generally observed between the coherence of written autobiographical narratives and outcomes of mental health and social support, can be replicated for the coherence of oral narratives. Second, we studied whether the coherence of oral narratives is related to the coherence of written narratives.MethodsPearson correlations and t-tests were calculated on data of two separate studies to examine the research questions.ResultsFirst, only thematic coherence of oral narratives was significantly, although moderately, negatively associated to symptoms of depression, anxiety and negative social interactions. Second, the coherence of oral narratives was higher than the coherence of written narratives. Only the thematic coherence of oral narratives was positively associated with thematic and total coherence of written narratives. Furthermore, correlations between written and oral narratives were stronger for negative narratives as compared to positive narratives.DiscussionThe ability to elaborate emotionally and make meaning out of important life events in oral narratives is, to a certain extent, related to better mental health and more social support. Furthermore, thematic coherence may be a relatively stable feature of individuals’ narrative styles that is reflected in narratives of different modalities. Nonetheless, these topics need to be further researched to overcome present limitations.
Highlights
IntroductionAssociations Between the Coherence of Oral Narratives, Mental Health and Social Support
Associations Between the Coherence of Oral Narratives, Mental Health and Social SupportOn a daily basis we talk about the highs and lows of our lives to the people around us (Rimé et al, 1992, 1998; Rimé, 2009)
The first question concerned the associations of the coherence of oral narratives with mental health and social support
Summary
Associations Between the Coherence of Oral Narratives, Mental Health and Social Support. On a daily basis we talk about the highs and lows of our lives to the people around us (Rimé et al, 1992, 1998; Rimé, 2009) These highs and lows, or significant personal experiences are what constitute the autobiographical memory and it is no coincidence that they are socially. The social function of autobiographical memory can be fulfilled (Bruce, 1989; Pillemer, 1992; Bluck and Alea, 2002; Bluck, 2003; Bluck et al, 2005; Meade et al, 2018) This social function concerns the development, maintenance and enhancement of social bonds through the sharing of autobiographical narratives and has shown to be of important value for our psychological well-being (Alea and Bluck, 2003, 2007). Social support has in turn shown to be pivotal with regards to maintaining and improving our mental health (Cohen and Wills, 1985; Ozbay et al, 2007; Sippel et al, 2015; Harandi et al, 2017)
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