Emotion and Narrative: Perspectives in Autobiographical Storytelling

Emotions have a life beyond the immediate situation, and narrating emotions helps us to express, understand, and share them. Habermas introduces the forms of oral narratives of personal experiences and highlights their capacity to integrate various personal and temporal perspectives. He demonstrates how the form and variety of perspectives represented in stories influence the emotional reactions of listeners, and how parents and psychotherapists can help to enrich narratives with additional perspectives.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 366 pages
Publication date: 03 June 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Emotions have a profound existence that extends beyond the immediate context in which they are triggered. These profound feelings often find expression through the art of storytelling, as we share our experiences with others in a narrative format. By narrating our emotions, we gain the ability to articulate, comprehend, and mutually understand them. The manner in which we craft and convey our stories has a significant impact on how others perceive and respond to our emotions, as well as on our own ability to navigate and cope with these emotions.

In his groundbreaking work "Emotion and Narrative," Habermas delves into the diverse forms of oral narratives that capture personal experiences. He emphasizes the remarkable capacity of narratives to integrate multiple personal and temporal perspectives, creating a rich tapestry of understanding. Through theoretical proposals meticulously illustrated with oral narratives from clinical and non-clinical settings, Habermas showcases how the form and variety of perspectives presented in stories exert a profound yet subtle influence on the emotional reactions of listeners.

For instance, narrators employ storytelling techniques to defend themselves against negative perceptions and undesired views of themselves. They selectively exclude certain perspectives from their narratives, shaping the way others perceive and interpret their emotions. Habermas demonstrates how parents can play a crucial role in assisting children in developing their narratives by providing them with additional perspectives and fostering a broader understanding of their experiences. Similarly, psychotherapists can employ narrative therapy to assist patients in enriching their stories with diverse perspectives, promoting emotional healing and personal growth.

By exploring the interplay between emotions, narratives, and the broader social context, Habermas offers insightful perspectives on the complex dynamics of human communication and emotional expression. His work encourages us to embrace the power of storytelling as a means of enhancing our emotional well-being, fostering empathy, and building stronger connections with others. Through the art of narrative, we can unlock the full potential of our emotions and navigate the intricacies of human experience with greater depth and understanding.

Weight: 520g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009045391