2011 issue 4

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Volume 20, issue 4

Review

Narration in psychiatry – theory, applications, relationship to mental he

Agnieszka Chrzczonowicz1
1. I Klinika Psychiatryczna, Instytut Psychiatrii i Neurologii, Warszawa
Postępy Psychiatrii i Neurologii 2011; 20(4): 283–289
Keywords: narration, narrative, psychiatry, coherence, mental health

Abstract

Objective. The aim of the paper was to explore the role of narrative in psychiatry, with the focus on the relationships between mental health and the way self-narration is created.
Views. Definitions of narration and self-narration were presented, as well as the ways these constructs can be understood in psychiatry. Possible applications of narration/narrative in psychiatry were outlined, in such domains as research, diagnostics, and therapy. Theories and research projects proposing an answer to the question "What is a "good", or mental-health-promoting narrative?" were reviewed. The following essential criteria of a "good" narration were described: coherence, clear structure, comprehensibility, dialogicality, and distinguishing the main character.
Commentary. The criteria discussed in the paper provide an important rationale that allows to differentiate between narratives typical of good functioning and dysfunctional ones that accompany mental disorders. At the same time the criteria exemplify how the knowledge of narration can be used in psychiatry.

Address for correspondence:
Mgr A. Chrzczonowicz
I Klinika Psychiatryczna IPiN, 02-952 Warszawa
ul. Sobieskiego 9
e-mail: achrzczonowicz@ipin.edu.pl