life events

important occasions throughout the lifespan that are either age-related and thus expected (e.g., marriage, retirement) or unrelated to age and unexpected (e.g., accidents, relocation). Contextual theories of personality often assume that personality is shaped by reactions to stress produced by critical life events. See also off-time life events; on-time life events.

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Psychology term of the day

April 29th 2024

narrative analysis

a type of qualitative analysis in which a researcher collects and examines stories from individuals about a variety of concrete life situations, ranging from first romantic involvements to divorce, aging, and life satisfaction. The goal is to understand how individuals experience certain events, structure them into coherent sequences, and give them subjective meaning. Also called narrative inquiry; narrative research.