Narratives of Depression

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the life narratives of a group of self-identified depressed individuals. A qualitative research approach, specifically a multiple case study method was used, consisting of interviews in narrative format with people who were suffering from depression. The common themes seemed to be: the participants attached negative meanings to their life experiences; they used negative language, particularly in the form of generalisations, to articulate their stories; and they found socio-political narratives to be subjugating. The study suggested that a narrative approach to therapy could be fruitful in the treatment of depression, especially through helping people to find positive meanings for life experiences; re-authoring life narratives using fewer negative generalisations; confronting and transcending subjugating political stories; assisting the individual to discover and build upon unique outcomes; and encouraging the extemalisation of depression.