Self-distancing and narrative wisdom in older adults’ autobiographical reflection

Abstract

The aim of the study was to explore the relationship between the ability of older adults to distance themselves from their life stories and the intensity of their narrative wisdom. In the study, we followed a narrative-constructivist approach while using mixed research strategies, including our working concept of narrative wisdom. We used our original coding system to analyze the transcripts of life stories obtained from 259 Polish older adults (aged 60 to 97). The coding outcomes were subsequently compared with the self-distancing questionnaire results. Our findings suggest that self-distancing is a differentiating factor for the strategies used by older adults in their autobiographical reflection: in its structure-, content-, and process-related qualities. When based on self-distancing strategies, narrative autobiographical reflection correlates with a higher sense of purpose and a higher level of agency. This interplay facilitates older adults in their author-like, flexible, and open attitudes toward their life stories; it can also be applied in counseling and older adults’ therapy.