What is it about?
The article describes self-identity work during transition from military to civilian life through two longitudinal cases study examples. It is suggested that by identifying the characters within the transitional stories narrated by the participants a better idea of what goes on in the self is gained during such processes. Moreover, that military cultures and civilian cultures tend to shape different, sometimes opposing, characters or I-positions of the self.
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Why is it important?
The topic of the article is relevant in order to (a) gain insights in how service members may experience self-identity work during transition (b) due to cultural differences between military and civilian worlds (c) to better prepare both service members prior to transition, and civilians, to understand that such differences may increase the capacity to make dialogue. The outcome of such knowledge could be improved psychological well-being in the midst of transition.
Perspectives
I perceive that issues, tensions and conflicts in the self are related to the lack of dialogue potentially fueled by cultural differences. A promising way to deal with such experiences is to increase the capacity to make dialogue between I-positions in the self and between self and others. As we start to let go of the fears in ourselves and of each other and aims for dialogue so much can be accomplished in the service of evolution.
Dr. Jan Grimell
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Advancing an understanding of selves in transition: I-positions as an analytical tool, Culture & Psychology, May 2017, SAGE Publications,
DOI: 10.1177/1354067x17707451.
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Resources
A service member´s self in transition: A longitudinal case study analysis. Journal of Constructivist Psychology, 30(3), 255-269.
A longitudinal case study with a similar perspective on self-identity work in transition from military to civilian life
A transitional narrative of military identity: Eric´s story. International Journal for Dialogical Science, 9(1), 135-157.
A related case study article which investigate transitional experiences in self-identity work during an early phase of transition from military to civilian Life.
The story of the self in the aftermath of crisis: A case study. Journal of Constructivist Psychology, 29(1), 66-79.
A case study article which deals with PTSD and self-identity work through a redemptive narrative.
Existential spiritual life among Swedish service members in transition: Marking out trends. Spirituality in Clinical Practice, 3(3), 208-219.
This article present a broader grip upon the whole sample through which the case studies has been selected. The article investigate existential and spiritual life among service members in transition.
Embodiment of the spirit: A case study. Spiritual Psychology and Counseling, 2(1), 57-72.
A case study article which utilize a dialogical framework combined with a spiritual approach to self-identity work in transition from military to civilian life.
Reflections on spiritual themes in a narrative psychological investigation of a secular Swede: Practical theology's potential contributions. Practical Theology, 10(1), 88-100.
A case study article which employ an dialogical understanding of the self and connect it to implicit religion and lived religion.
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