Narrative resilience: exploring the role of personal narratives in shaping self-concept and psychological resilience in cancer patients and survivors

Abstract

Maintaining the continuity of the 'self' is crucial for finding meaning and ensuring psychological well-being. However, the traumatic encounter with cancer disrupts the normal flow of life stories, challenging coherence. Beyond its physical toll, cancer challenges one's sense of self, identity and overall psychological resilience. As personal narratives unfold, encompassing evolving life stories from one's reconstructed past to the present and envisioned future, inherently reflecting the dynamic conception of self, it becomes imperative to investigate how these narratives shape self-concept and resilience throughout the intricate emotional and psychological landscape of the cancer journey. This narrative review explores the intricate relationship among personal narratives, self-concept and psychological resilience in the context of cancer. The study draws on various theoretical constructs, encompassing self-concept, coping, narrative identity, and psychological resilience theories, to provide a comprehensive exploration of the psychological processes involved. Incorporating insights from both Western and Indian philosophical traditions, the review not only enriches the theoretical framework but also emphasizes the practical implications for healthcare practices. Integrating narrative resilience principles into medical education and advocating for culturally sensitive approaches are deemed essential for advancing patient-centred care. The study underscores both practical and theoretical contributions to psycho-oncology, emphasizing the need for personalized narrative interventions, empathetic healthcare strategies, longitudinal studies and innovative technologies that recognize and support the intricate interplay between personal narratives, self-concept and psychological resilience in the cancer survivorship journey.