Chapter 1: Overview of the Deep Story
Chapter 2: The First Gap in the Life Story
Chapter 3: Gaps in the Narrative
Chapter 4: The God Story
Chapter 5: Testing True and False Stories
Chapter 6: Testing Faith Stories
Chapter 7: About the Messy, Problem, Body, and Dark Stories
Chapter 8: Integration through Story
Chapter 9: Designing a New Story
Chapter 10: Performing a New Story
Bruce A. Stevens is director of the research center Colloquium for Ageing Perspectives and Spirituality (CAPS).
Professor Bruce Stevens offers us a rich account and analysis of
stories from the aging. In doing so he provides remarkable insight
into the importance and abiding value of a narrative therapy. In
doing so he builds on and extends our understanding of the storied
self; the deep stories we dwell in and that shape our lives. What
we discover is a discernible thread of spiritual understanding in
the lives of those who are towards the latter years of their life.
The result is a deeply touching and wise book that will be of great
encouragement to all who care for and accompany the elderly as they
are freed to tell their story.
*Stephen Pickard, Director for the Australian Centre for
Christianity and Culture at Charles Sturt University, Canberra*
The Storied Self offers a fresh perspective on narrative
gerontology by analyzing the challenges elders encounter in telling
their life stories and by depicting the different story forms that
can contribute to their late life spiritual growth. Many important
stories are not easily accessed and this book offers helpful
guidance to spiritual carers willing to accompany older persons as
they explore the “deep story” of their lives.
*Susan H. McFadden, Professor Emerita, Psychology, University of
Wisconsin Oshkosh*
This book makes a major contribution to the study of narrative
especially in later life. It brings new understandings to a
developmental approach for the final life story, weaving
perspectives of scholarship from psychology and pastoral aspects of
ageing. Professor Stevens has opened avenues for recognizing and
constructing alternative and meaningful narratives in later life,
using a wide variety of stories to illustrate the complexity of
story among older adults. It will be of value to all who work with
older people.
*Elizabeth MacKinlay, Charles Sturt University*
With this book Professor Bruce Stevens brings insight, and passion,
into the fascinating world of ageing and spirituality. Stories
define lives – experienced to the fullest or otherwise. This is a
scholarly work with much substance where his knowledge, focus on
the benefits of being ‘narrative’, and fresh perspectives on a
subject of growing importance, can only add value. There are truly
a world of stories to tell and share. This book will help enhance
the process of spiritual care and ultimately outcomes of ageing
into wisdom.
*Hilda Johnson-Bogaerts, Director, Selwyn Institute for Ageing and
Spirituality*
The Storied Self brings a clear invitation to all Christian
pastoral carers, and especially those working with older people,
not to rest in ‘just’ listening but to go wider and deeper in
helping each person find their true home. Drawing on a wide range
of sources and including practical suggestions and examples as well
as personal reflections, this work offers a valuable opportunity
for personal as well as professional development for clergy and
chaplains alike.
*Ilsa Hampton, Chief Executive Officer, Meaningful Ageing
Australia*
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