Grounded in four theoretical positions-structural, cognitive, phenomenological, and ethical-the present review demonstrates the empirical evidence for the incremental validity of narrative identity as a cross-sectional indicator and prospective predictor of well-being, compared with other individual difference and situational variables. In doing so, we develop an organizational framework of four categories of narrative variables: (a) motivational themes, (b) affective themes, (c) themes of integrative meaning, and (d) structural elements. Using this framework, we detail empirical evidence supporting the incremental association between narrative identity and well-being, a case that is strongest for motivational, affective, and integrative meaning themes. These categories of themes serve as vital complimentary correlates and predictors of well-being, alongside commonly assessed variables such as dispositional personality traits. We then use the theoretically grounded review of the empirical literature to develop concrete areas of future research for the field.

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Objective The purpose of this study was to determine whether coherent integration of negative memories into the self could positively predict well‐being over time, and whether certain emotion regulation strategies could facilitate this coherent integration. In turn, coherent integration of negative memories was expected to further facilitate adaptive emotion regulation strategies over time. Method A total of 303 participants took part in this longitudinal study. At Phase 1, they completed measures of emotion regulation and well‐being. Three months later, they described the memory of the most negative event they experienced since Phase 1, and completed measures assessing its integration. One month later, participants completed the well‐being measures again, and another month later, their emotion regulation was reassessed. Results Adaptive emotion regulation predicted adaptive memory integration, which in turn led to increases in well‐being and adaptive emotion regulation. Contrariwise, the incapacity to adaptively regulate emotions predicted poor memory integration, which in turn led to decreases in well‐being. Conclusion The way people regulate their negative emotions acts as an individual difference influencing how negative memories are integrated into the self, which can in return alter well‐being and emotion regulation capacity over time.

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