Moving Beyond Redemptive Magnitude: Examining Redemptive Forms and Themes in Young Adults’ Narratives of Difficult Life Experiences

Abstract

Narrative redemption involves reframing negative autobiographical experiences such that they convey positive meaning. Redemption is intertwined with processes of narrative identity development and psychological well-being. In line with recent theoretical advances in the conceptualization and measurement of redemption (Perlin & Fivush, 2021), we examined how narrative identity themes (agency, communion, thematic coherence, and narrated growth) and psychological well-being related to two redemptive forms: 1) a return to baseline, or 2) emergence to a new state. Further, we examined whether individuals framed challenges and event resolutions with situational or identity themes. We tested this dual conceptualization of redemption (i.e., redemptive forms and themes) using narratives about difficult life experiences provided by a college sample (N = 221). Redemptive forms and themes were associated, such that identity resolutions were most prevalent for emergent redemption. Additionally, emergent redemption was associated with the highest expressions of agency, growth, and coherence.Regarding the relation between redemption and psychological well-being, emergent redemption was associated with the greatest endorsements of self-reported personal growth. We argue that more nuanced considerations of redemption could benefit considerations of narrative identity development and psychological well-being.