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Psychological Adaptation of Cultural Inheritance Practice: Identity Recognition, Emotional Integration, Meaning Reconstruction

Author(s)

Chanjuan Wang1,2, Jing Zhang2,*, Hongxi Zhang2

Affiliation(s)

1South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China 2Guizhou Minzu University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China *Corresponding Author

Abstract

This research explored the psychological narrative of cultural inheritance to increase psychological flexibility and individual growth. It analyzed the narrative experiences of individuals in the micro-process of interaction with cultural norms. The three basic processes of identity formation, emotional integration, and meaning reconstruction create the subjectivity of the individual. Through these processes, individuals can transform a potential cultural conflict into psychological growth. The study uncovered the micro-mechanisms of cultural sustainability and individual adaptation. This study applied the narrative analysis method of qualitative research. We collected narratives from eight selected participants on traditional ethnic minority festivals. The analysis began with an examination of the interview transcript using Labov’s narrative structure framework. Riessman’s theory of narrative experience was then added to the framework. To enhance the credibility of the study, all rigorous analyses underwent various peer-to-peer iterations and member validation. This article discussed three core aspects of narrative psychology: 1) The inheritance of cultural scripts unfolds a process ranging from normative adherence to critical reconstruction. Participants have different psychological positions and strategies, thus forming a ‘spectrum of negotiation’. 2) Under the influence of narrative experience, the individual realizes strategic identity reconstruction from individual to group, and dynamically switching between ‘host’ and ‘guest’ roles, which reflects the multi-layered layer of social psychology complexity in festival activities. 3) The emotions inherent in narrative material, by experiential integration, convert initially discordant emotional experiences into a cohesive self-concept, achieving a reconstruction of meaning from the individual to the collective. This strategy involves recreating complexity of emotion through narrative, which is critical to psychological resilience. The influence of cultural customs is so profound that it participates in the formation of identity and promotes the development of certain adaptive psychological functions. We redefined cultural inheritance as a psychologically-driven process whereby individuals activate cultural scripts in storytelling practices. The ‘negotiation spectrum’ shows us that identity doesn’t form naturally. It is formed and contextually influenced. The complex emotions are a narrative resource that shapes psychological strength. It helps turn cultural practices into personal beliefs. The model of ‘psychological-practical cycle’ relates cultural scripts to creativity through a micro-level process. It shows how involvement in culture makes adaptation and “reintegration of the self” possible. The knowledge gained highlights the importance of cultural heritage in society, contributing theoretically to the strengthening of mental health and social inclusion.

Keywords

Narrative Psychology; Cultural Scripts; Narrative Identity; Meaning-Making; Psychological Resilience

References

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