Retrospective Storytelling, Meaning-making, and Generativity (the passing down of wisdom): Black Intergenerational Stories About Love

Abstract

The lived experiences of Black people are dynamic and, as such, there are many powerful, diverse, and intimate stories that provide insight into those experiences. Recent narrative research suggests that humans process their experiences by creating stories and sharing those stories with others – called Communicated Narrative Sensemaking (CNSM). This research study explored the stories that Black intergenerational populations report hearing and telling about love, as well as those they wish they had heard, and how these stories have impacted their identity, relationships, and well-being. The purpose of this study was to explore major themes and understand the potentially lasting relational impact of narratives told within families about love. Retrospective Storytelling from the CNSM framework, as well as the African Worldview and Life Stories frameworks, were applied to center the voices and life experiences of the study's participants. Consistent with the utilized frameworks, the study's findings revealed that family narratives about love have a significant and lasting impact on individuals throughout the life course, as well as the lessons participants reported learning. Furthermore, centralizing Black culture in this study illuminated the historical and present-day events, factors, and barriers that are unique to this population and influence many aspects of their lives, to include communicative activities and their interpersonal relationships. Reported impacts of silenced stories were also examined. Limitations, implications, and recommendations for future research are also discussed.