Girls Fighting Trouble: Re-Storying Young Lives

Abstract

This study assessed the usefulness of narrative group therapy as part of a summer program for female adolescents who had broken the law, and it sought to gain greater understanding of this population. Mainly qualitative methods were used because there is little research on narrative approaches and an exploratory study was most appropriate. Other methods used, include interviews, pretesting and posttesting, and reviews of court records 6 months after beginning. Various means of assessment showed that narrative approaches were useful in helping these young women examine their lives, cope with problems, explore options, and assess possibilities. While several problem themes were isolated, solution and coping themes were also found, which were brought forth and highlighted in the sessions. These adolescents experienced the most improvement in the area of coping. Self-esteem and control were found to be important coping devices and were strong throughout.