Narrative based research and practice in Japan

What is it about?

It is gratifying that NARRATIVE BASED RESEARCH has been positioned in this way as a public good by the Japanese Psychological Association. The narrative dimension opens up the fundamental foundations of the personal experience. When coming into contact with the depths of an individual's world of experience, their 'personal life', in various fields of practice, the experience should be shaped and shared. Through storytelling, the lived reality of the individual can be seen to emerge. On the other hand, when we shift our focus from being caught up in the reality or situation being told and expressing an opinion, to the narrative itself, it becomes possible to move from the dimension of fact to that of meaning.

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Photo by Manuel Cosentino on Unsplash

Photo by Manuel Cosentino on Unsplash

Why is it important?

The experience of others is always accompanied by something that is not known. The basis of narrative practice research is not to replace it with known knowledge or expertise, but to question its meaning while maintaining concern, questioning and interest in it. There is always a sense of surprise involved. It means being surprised by what the narratives, words, actions and situations of others are telling us. It is through this surprise that experience is reflected upon, and it is from this starting point that understanding is developed in narrative based research and practice.

Perspectives