Intergenerational narratives and identity across development

Abstract

Intergenerational narratives are the stories that parents and grandparents share with their children about their own past experiences growing up. We argue from the foundational perspectives of Eriksonsian life-span theory, Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory, and the sociocultural model of autobiographical memory that intergenerational narratives, although often overlooked by researchers of narrative identity development, play an important role in the family storytelling process that serves many functions for the elder generations who tell them and the younger generations who hear them. We focus on where these narratives fit within the larger body of literature on narrative identity at two developmental periods of interest: midlife and adolescence. We review evidence suggesting that intergenerational narratives influence the psychosocial development of individuals, serving as constructions of identity and a means of achieving a sense of generativity, in ways that may also contribute to family identity and individual well-being.