Selfstory

Selfstory is a term used in psychology and everyday language to describe the narrative a person constructs about themselves. It combines memories, interpretations, values, and goals into a coherent account of who they are. People use their selfstory to make sense of past events, to guide present behavior, and to anticipate or plan for the future. In research and practice, the selfstory is often discussed as part of a broader concept called narrative identity or life story.

Historically, the idea derives from narrative psychology, which treats people as storytellers who continually revise their life narratives. A key figure is Dan P. McAdams, who developed the Life Story Interview and emphasized coherence, openness, and agency within a self-story. The selfstory is not a fixed autobiography; it evolves as people reinterpret events, adopt new roles, and respond to changing social contexts.

Selfstories are shaped by memory selection and interpretation, cultural scripts, and social feedback. They contain themes such as agency, communion, redemption, or contamination, and they strive for psychological coherence across time. The process of constructing a selfstory can involve reframing setbacks as turning points, or weaving disparate experiences into a larger life arc. Because memories are reconstructive, different points in life can yield different versions of the same events.

In clinical settings, narrative therapy and related approaches use clients' selfstories to identify problematic patterns and to re-author alternatives that emphasize resilience and empowerment. Outside therapy, selfstorying appears in journaling, life coaching, and career development as a tool for goal setting and self-understanding. Digital media has further expanded selfstory practices through blogs, social media chronicles, and personal websites, where people publish autobiographical narratives and receive feedback from others.

Critics note that selfstories are subjective and can distort reality through selective memory or social desirability. Cultural norms shape what counts as a coherent or desirable life story, which can disadvantage those whose experiences do not fit prevailing scripts. Rigid attachment to a selfstory can hinder growth if it prevents acknowledgment of change or growth opportunities. Despite these concerns, the study of selfstories provides insight into identity formation, well-being, and the social functions of storytelling.