Fulfilling or failing to fulfill narrative developmental themes: An indicator of living into the good life in late adolescence

Abstract

Late-stage adolescents face developmental themes pivotal to establishing the foundation for a good life. Narrating represents a compelling technique to examine how some succeed while others fail to accomplish these themes. In this study, 239 Danish high school students’ life chapters were coded for narrative developmental themes related to identity integration, self-direction, empathy, and intimacy. Participants also completed self-report measures of identity disturbance, empathy, and depression. Variability in fulfillment of the developmental themes indicated the degree to which adolescents were living the good life. Regression analyses showed that fulfilled developmental themes of identity (storied and self-report) and storied intimacy were associated with lowered depression. The findings are discussed including ways to support adolescents as they prepare for the good life.