Intergenerational Transmission of Wisdom Through Family Narratives: A Qualitative Analysis of Emerging Adults' Perspective

Abstract

Family narratives are a medium for the intergenerational transmission of life wisdom, which may influence recipient’s beliefs system and behaviors. Despite a growing body of knowledge on wisdom, emerging adults remain insufficiently researched as to what wisdom from their perspective was conveyed to them through stories. The aim was to identify what wisdom emerging adults perceive in the narratives told them by their parents about themselves. The study was conducted in Poland. Convenience sampling was used. 42 emerging adults (33 female, 8 male, 1 non-binary) ranging from 19 to 22 years participated in the study. Participants were asked to write stories about their parents, separately, about mother and father when they were young. These were supposed to be stories both containing wisdom and told them by their parents. Then they were asked to describe what wisdom was contained in the recalled story and what they learned from it. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Twelve participants were not able to recall a story about one of their parents. They completed one part of the written task and explained the reasons for not knowing the story about the other. These responses were included in the analysis. The thematic analysis identifies the following main themes: transmission of life lessons, transmission of values, family myths, forms of wisdom transmitting. The wisdom read by emerging adults from the recalled stories took the form of advice, encouragement, warning and reprimand. They were usually expressed indirectly. It required effort to read the hidden message and give it meaning. The study showed the importance of family stories in the upbringing process and preparation for adulthood. In the face of the following changes in lifestyles and family communication, the results may be used to support and educate families in deepening intra-family relationships.