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Cited by 222Counseling, Therapy, and Family DynamicsPsychotherapy Techniques and ApplicationsPsychological Treatments and Assessments

Narrative Therapy and the Nature Of “Innovative Moments” in the Construction of Change

Open access
Gonçalves, Miguel M., Matos, Marlene, Santos, Anita·2009·Journal of Constructivist Psychology
DOI 10.1080/10720530802500748
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Abstract

In the narrative metaphor of psychotherapy, clients transform themselves by changing their life stories. According to White and Epston (1990) White, M. and Epston, D. 1990. Narrative means to therapeutic ends, New York: Norton. [Google Scholar], the construction of change occurs from the expansion of unique outcomes—or innovative moments, as we prefer to call them—that is, the development of episodes outside the problem-saturated narrative. Unique outcomes operate as exceptions to the rule (i.e., to the problem-saturated story) that can be changed to a new rule (i.e., a new narrative). We suggest that some forms of unique outcomes can operate as shadow voices (Gustafson, 1992 Gustafson, J. P. 1992. Self-delight in a harsh world, New York: Norton. [Google Scholar]) of the problem-saturated story, allowing a temporary release from the problem, but facilitating a return to it. In our view, there is a particular type of unique outcome—reconceptualization—that facilitates sustained change. This kind of innovation facilitates the emergence of a meta-level perspective about the change process itself and, in turn, enables the active positioning of the person as an author of the new narrative.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1080/10720530802500748

Cites

54 of 54 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

1 of 42 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged · accuracy not yet measured

  • Premisecitation

    Half of all attempts to exit an abusive relationship later result in reunion with the aggressor.

    “In fact, several studies have demonstrated that half of all the attempts to exit an abusive relationship later result in reunion with the aggressor (e.g., Anderson & Saunders, 2003;Lerner & Kennedy, 2000;Martin, Berenson, Griffing, Sage, Madry, Bingham & Primm, 2000).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Anderson & Saunders, 2003 source

      The Summary and Conclusions section says survivors may leave and return multiple times, and the quantitative-research table lists studies tracking whether women returned after leaving shelters. Neither passage establishes that half of all attempts to leave result in reunion; the paper’s separate reference to 'about half' in the Violence section concerns women who continued to feel threatened, not women who reunited. (LLM, conf=0.82)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites Lerner & Kennedy, 2000 source
    • cites Martin, Berenson, Griffing, Sage, Madry, Bingham & Primm, 2000 source
  • Findingcitation

    In a previous study with women who were victims of partner abuse, different kinds of unique outcomes emerged in their stories.

    “In a previous research study that we have completed with women who were victims of partner's abuse (Matos, 2006;Matos & Gonçalves, 2004), we found that different kinds of UOs emerge in their stories.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Matos, 2006

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Matos & Gonçalves, 2004

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Findingown data

    In the previous study, coding therapeutic sessions for the emergence of unique outcomes in good and poor outcome narrative therapy identified five different types of unique outcomes: action, reflection, protest, re-conceptualization and new experiences unique outcomes.

    “We identified five different types of UOs: action, reflection, protest, re-conceptualization and new experiences UOs.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Premisecitation

    The attempt to suppress the other, external or internalised, is never totally accomplished, given the dialogical nature of existence.

    “However, as Bakhtin (1981Bakhtin ( /2000) ) suggested, this attempt to suppress the other (external or internalised) is never totally accomplished, given the dialogical nature of existence (see Fogel, 1993;Gonçalves & Guilfoyle, 2006;Salgado & Gonçalves, in press;Valsiner, 2004).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Bakhtin, 1981/2000

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Fogel, 1993

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Valsiner, 2004

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Premisecitation

    Problem-saturated stories undermine all other accounts and possibilities besides the problematic one.

    “In the narrative therapy field this is akin to White's (White & Epston, 1990; see also Freedman & Combs, 1996) problem-saturated stories, given that all other accounts and possibilities, besides the problematic one, are undermined.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites White & Epston, 1990
    • cites Freedman & Combs, 1996
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 58
  • May combine two claims. 27

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingnone given

    In the study referred above, all actions initiated against or to prevent the abuse were integrated in the action IM category.

    “In the study referred above, all the actions initiated against or to prevent the abuse were integrated in this category.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Action IM belongs to the landscape of action and reflection IMs to the landscape of consciousness, while protest, re-conceptualization and new experiences are simultaneously rooted in both landscapes because they involve actions, values, intentions and feelings.

    “Thus, while the action IM type clearly belongs to the landscape of action and reflection IMs to the landscape of consciousness, the other three categories identified are simultaneously rooted in both landscapes, since they involve some kind of actions, but also values, intentions and feelings.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Change happens through the elaboration of unique outcomes as a necessary condition, but this elaboration could be insufficient for change to take place.

    “So, one can say that change happens through the elaboration of unique outcomes (necessary condition), but this elaboration could be insufficient for change to take place.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • The authors state this as an assumption: What is not narrated becomes irrelevant and is easily forgotten or trivialized.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisenone given

    According to narrative therapy, the construction of new and preferred narratives of life is the result of the elaboration of unique outcomes.

    “According to narrative therapy, the construction of new and preferred narratives of life is the result of the elaboration of unique outcomes.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • The authors state this as an assumption: What is not narrated becomes irrelevant and is easily forgotten or trivialized.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Interpretationreasoning

    The person's agency is revealed in the authorship process: it is the person who narrates the life that is lived and performed as an actor.

    “In this metaphor of the self, the person's agency is revealed in the authorship process: it is the person who narrates the life that is lived (and performed as an actor).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    Unique outcomes are always happening but are trivialized and ignored by people when problem-saturated stories are very active.

    “But, in fact, the proposal of White and Epston (1990) was that UOs are always happening but are trivialized and ignored by people when problemsaturated stories are very active.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites White & Epston, 1990

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Interpretationreasoning

    Instead of monologism, we should talk about attempts to suppress dialogism, given the impossibility of achieving a situation of total monologism.

    “So, in fact, instead of monologism, we should talk about attempts to suppress dialogism, given the impossibility of achieving a situation of total monologism.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Life is more than what is narrated; there are episodes outside the domination of the problem-saturated story that need to gain voice for a new story to unfold.

    “Similarly, White and Epston (1990) suggested that life is more than what is narrated, which means that in life there are episodes outside the domination of the problem-saturated story that need to gain voice in order for a new story to unfold.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites White & Epston, 1990

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    From a dialogical perspective, the person's self is a multitude of authors or I-positions narrating their story while enacting as actors these different positions.

    “For Hermans (1996), a dialogical perspective of the distinction made by Sarbin between the author and the actor of the narrative means that the person's self is a multitude of authors (or I-positions) narrating their story while enacting as actors these different positions.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Hermans, 1996 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

    Interpretationreasoning

    A time frame is vital for the development of a coherent narrative.

    “A time frame is vital for the development of a coherent narrative.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • The authors state this as an assumption: What is not narrated becomes irrelevant and is easily forgotten or trivialized.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The diversity of innovative moments is related to different processes involved in the psychotherapeutic process.

    “We consider that the diversity of IMs is related to different processes involved in the psychotherapeutic process.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: There is no theoretical reflection about the influence of the diversity of unique outcomes on change.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    The process of questioning unique outcomes between elements in the landscape of action and elements in the landscape of consciousness leads to the transformation of unique outcomes into new stories and new meanings.

    “According to these authors, this process leads to the transformation of UOs into new stories and new meanings.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Freedman & Combs, 1996

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • The authors state this as an assumption: What is not narrated becomes irrelevant and is easily forgotten or trivialized.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The diversity and high frequency of action and reflection innovative moments can work as ways of validating change, as signs for the self and others that something different is taking place.

    “The diversity and high frequency of these IMs can also work as ways of validating change -they could be signs for the self and for others that something different is in fact taking place.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Interpretationreasoning

    These elements are central for a story to become meaningful and plausible for the person constructing and living it.

    “These elements are central for a story to become meaningful and plausible for the person who is constructing and living it, as these constructions further evolve.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • The authors state this as an assumption: What is not narrated becomes irrelevant and is easily forgotten or trivialized.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The assimilation model describes change processes in psychotherapy through qualitative narrative analysis, entailing a dialogical view of self.

    “Therefore, the assimilation model aims to describe change processes in psychotherapy through qualitative narrative analysis, entailing a dialogical view of self.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Honos-Webb & Stiles, 1998 source
    • cites Osatuke et al., 2004 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Interpretationreasoning

    With other voices or perspectives claiming to be heard, the problematic narrative cannot maintain its authoritarian status.

    “With other voices or perspectives claiming to be heard, the problematic narrative can not maintain its authoritarian status.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Interpretationreasoning

    Dialogically, unique outcomes are opportunities for new voices to gain power to tell their own stories, different from the voice of the dominant story.

    “Dialogically, UOs are opportunities for new voices to gain power to tell their own stories, different from the voice of the dominant story.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning

    A dialogical disruption can occur when the diversity of voices collapses into the monologue of a single voice, silencing other voices and making different constructions of events very difficult or impossible.

    “In these dynamic struggles between voices, a dialogical disruption can occur when the diversity of voices collapses into the monologue of a single voice.The other voices of the self are silenced, making different constructions of the events very difficult or even impossible.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    According to the narrative metaphor of psychotherapy, clients transform themselves by changing the stories they tell about their lives.

    “According to the narrative metaphor of psychotherapy (see Hermans & Hermans-Jansen, 1995;Parry & Doan, 1994;Omer & Alon, 1997;White & Epston, 1990), clients transform themselves by changing the stories they tell about their lives.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Hermans & Hermans-Jansen, 1995

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Parry & Doan, 1994

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites White & Epston, 1990

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    A temporal dimension alone is not enough for a good story to unfold; one also needs actions and emotions, values and thoughts, as well as other elements from both landscapes of action and consciousness.

    “But a temporal dimension alone is not enough for a good story to unfold -one also needs actions and emotions, values and thoughts, as well as other elements from both landscapes of action and consciousness.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • The authors state this as an assumption: What is not narrated becomes irrelevant and is easily forgotten or trivialized.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    A new narrative constructed only with action IMs would be a very impoverished and monotonous type of story; the same can be said of any other innovative moment.

    “Thus, for instance, a new narrative constructed only with action IMs would be a very impoverished (and monotonous) type of story.The same can be said of any other IM.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Interpretationreasoning

    Therapists and clients need to develop the landscape of action and the landscape of consciousness along different time frames for a new story to develop and become a viable alternative to the problem-saturated story.

    “Thus, in the conversation, therapists and clients need to develop these dimensions (landscape of action and landscape of consciousness along different time frames) for a new story to develop and become a viable alternative to the story saturated by the problem.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • The authors state this as an assumption: What is not narrated becomes irrelevant and is easily forgotten or trivialized.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Premisecitation

    Life narratives can be conceived as the outcome of dialogical processes of negotiation, tension, disagreement, alliance, and so on, between different voices or perspectives of the self.

    “The connection between narrative and dialogical processes is strengthened by the idea that life narratives can be conceived as the outcome of dialogical processes of negotiation, tension, disagreement, alliance, and so on, between different voices (or perspectives) of the self.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Hermans & Kempen, 1993

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    This movement happens quite often but, far from leading to change, leads to a process of self-blaming and self-critique that is very typical of problem-saturated stories.

    “Actually, this movement happens quite often but, far from leading to change, leads to a process of self-blaming and self-critique that is very typical of problem-saturated stories.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    Each voice or I position can tell a story from its own perspective, and this transforms the self into a space of potentiality in which meaning is constructed and re-constructed as different positions gain or lose power.

    “Each voice or I position can tell a story from its own perspective, and this transforms the self into a space of potentiality, in which the meaning is constructed and re-constructed as different positions gain or lose power.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Premisenone given

    Unique outcomes are openings to new stories and opportunities for therapeutic change to occur.

    “Unique outcomes (UOs) are considered openings to new stories, and in this way, they are opportunities for therapeutic change to occur.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • The authors state this as an assumption: What is not narrated becomes irrelevant and is easily forgotten or trivialized.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationreasoning

    In the re-authoring process, the development of a coherent, thick description of the experience of change emerges by the articulation of several different kinds of innovative moments.

    “In the re-authoring process, the development of a coherent, thick description of the experience of change emerges by the articulation of several different kinds of IM's.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning

    Action and reflection are the most elementary innovative moments, since they involve actions and thoughts that can be very simple and subtle events.

    “Action and reflection are the most elementary IMs, since they involve actions and thoughts that can be very simple and subtle events.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    In monological narratives, the construction of reality is characterized by redundancy and loss of complexity; experiential diversity is rejected or ignored and the narrative outcome reflects this reduction of voice variety.

    “Accordingly, in these narratives, the construction of reality is characterized by redundancy and loss of complexity.The experiential diversity is rejected or ignored and the narrative outcome reflects this reduction of voice variety.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Interpretationreasoning

    Re-conceptualization is a very complex type of innovative moment, since it implies a kind of metaposition over change.

    “Re-conceptualization is a very complex type of IM, since it implies a kind of metaposition over change.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    These IMs can temporarily free the person from the problem, but without further elaboration (without re-conceptualization) they can make it difficult for the person to evolve onto a new narrative of the self.

    “In other words, these IMs can have the power to temporarily free the person from the problem, but without further elaboration (without re-conceptualization) they can make it difficult for the person to evolve onto a new narrative of the self.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    A dialogical perspective allows understanding why isolated action, reflection and protest could be associated with conditions that represent a failure to change.

    “A dialogical perspective allows us to understand why isolated action, reflection and protest could be associated with conditions that represent a failure to change.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    Independently of the starting point (action, protest or reflection), a new gestalt of IM is necessary for a meaningful story to develop, and this gestalt unfolds in a cyclical process similar to the one described in Figure 1, although that path is not necessarily the only one possible.

    “In our proposal, independently of the”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationnone given

    It is not possible to know if these types of IMs are valid for all types of problems, since there is no research demonstrating their general application.

    “Naturally, it is not possible to know if these types of IMs are valid for all types of problems, since there is no research demonstrating their general application.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Contrary to White and Epston's intuition that unique outcomes are always beneficial, one specific IM actually feeds the problem.

    “So, in this example, and contrary to the intuition of White and Epston (1990) that saw unique outcomes as always beneficial, one specific IM actually feeds the problem.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites White and Epston, 1990

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Interpretationreasoning

    Change happens in a cyclical process that could start with action, reflection and/or protest IMs as signs for the person and significant others that something different is happening.

    “We therefore suggest that change happens in a cyclical process, which could start with action, reflection and/or protest IMs, as signs for the person and significant others that something different is happening.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The new narrative is a pattern that emerges from the variety of IMs explored in the therapeutic conversation; it is an emergent property of the IMs.

    “The new narrative is a pattern that emerges from the variety of IMs that were explored in the therapeutic conversation, or in other words, the new narrative is an emergent propriety of the IMs.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Valsiner proposed that the person is constantly creating meaning ahead of the time when it might be needed, orienting toward one or another side of anticipated experience and preparing for it.

    “As Valsiner (2004) proposed”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Valsiner, 2004

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Without this meta-perspective, the person could only be an actor who lacks access to the processes beneath the plot, and access to these processes allows him/her to be an author of his/her own life.

    “Without this meta-perspective the person could only be an actor who lacks access to the processes that are beneath the plot, and it is the access to these processes that allows him/her to be an author or his/her own life.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    For the story to be expanded into the future, a meta-position like the one that re-conceptualization allows is needed to imagine a future with other possibilities outside the problem-saturated narrative.

    “In our view, for the story to be expanded into the future, a meta-position like the one that re-conceptualization allows is needed to imagine a future with other possibilities outside the problem-saturated narrative.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning

    The authors do not know if other problems beyond abuse are re-authored through the elaboration of different types of IMs.

    “We do not know if other problems beyond abuse are re-authored through the elaboration of different types of IMs.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    This implies a metalevel from which the person can see the difference between the old plot and the anticipated new one, and from this position favours the development of the new story.

    “This implies a metalevel from which the person can see the difference between the old plot and the (anticipated) new one and from this position favours the development of the new story.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Meaningful connections between moments of change are enacted and a new comprehension of the process of change is achieved.

    “Then, meaningful connections between these moments of change are enacted and a new comprehension of the process of change is achieved.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Interpretationreasoning

    The next movement in the cycle could be re-conceptualization, allowing the person to step back and see him/herself changing.

    “The next movement in the cycle could be reconceptualization allowing the person to step back and see him/herself changing.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

    Interpretationreasoning

    In the construction of a new narrative, re-conceptualization acts like a gravitational field that attracts and gives meaning to action, reflection and protest IMs.

    “In the construction of a new narrative it acts like a gravitational field that attracts and gives meaning to action, reflection and protest IMs.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Several movements from action, reflection and protest through re-conceptualization, and back again, could be needed to validate change before the person can project him/herself into the future with a secure narrative, which could entail a new process of internal validation.

    “Several movements from action, reflection and protest through re-conceptualization, and back again to action, reflection and protest, could be needed to validate change, before the person is able to project him/herself into the future with a secure narrative, which could certainly entail a new process of internal validation (see Figure 1).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    Angus and colleagues conclude that reflexive decentering from and then reengagement with distressing life experiences facilitates the articulation of new understandings about the self in relation to others.

    “Nevertheless, they also conclude that”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Angus, Lewin, Bouffard & Trevisan, 2004 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    In these cases, action and reflection IMs can allow an oscillatory movement away from the problem, but the full consequences of this movement are not explored and the person returns to the prior position.

    “In these cases, action and reflection IMs can allow an oscillatory movement away from the problem, but the full consequences of this movement are not explored and the person returns to the prior position.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    High ambivalent relations promote the maintenance of a dynamic stability within the self's voices and can lead to an irresolvable dilemma.

    “These high ambivalent relations promote the maintenance of a dynamic stability within self's voices and can lead to an irresolvable dilemma.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Valsiner referred to this dance as hidden-dialogism, in the sense that there seems to be only one position or voice but in fact an oscillation between two clashing voices is happening.

    “Valsiner (2004) referred to this dance as a clear example of hidden-dialogism, in the sense that there seems to only be one position or voice, but in fact an oscillation between two clashing voices are happening (the Möbius strip could be used as a concrete representation of this process, see Josephs, Valsiner & Surgan, 1999).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Valsiner, 2004

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Josephs, Valsiner & Surgan, 1999 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

    Interpretationreasoning

    For re-conceptualization IMs to occur, a narrative view over the way the self is being transformed is needed.

    “In fact, for reconceptualization IMs to occur we precisely need this narrative view over the way self is being transformed, as we suggested before.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    Some patterns of IMs allow the construction of new narratives of the self, while others operate as a form of mutual in-feeding, in which the self-narrative is trapped by the saturated-story and its opposite, without further development.

    “We propose that some patterns of IMs allow the construction of new narratives of the self, while others operate as a form of mutual in-feeding, in which the self-narrative is trapped by the saturated-story and its opposite, without further development.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S1 (asserted), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Action, reflection and protest IMs have the potential to transform narratives when they interact with re-conceptualization IMs, but they could support the problem when re-conceptualization is absent.

    “It is our hypothesis that action, reflection and protest IMs have the potential to transform narratives when they interact with re-conceptualization IMs, as we have described above, but that they could have the effect of supporting the problem when re-conceptualization is absent.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Angus and colleagues' reflexive narrative sequences are very similar to the authors' re-conceptualization, with the main difference being that the authors code only innovative moments while Angus and colleagues code all sequences where the reflexive mode emerges.

    “Their reflexive narrative sequences are very similar to our re-conceptualization and the main difference occurs because we only code in our sessions the innovative moments, while Angus and colleagues code all the sequences where the reflexive mode emerges.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Angus, Lewin, Bouffard, Rotondi-Trevisan, 2004 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    While a meta-position is necessary, action, reflection and protest IMs can serve as narrative markers that change is on its way, because they represent new actions and thoughts outside the problem-saturated narrative.

    “While this meta-position is necessary, action, reflection and protest IMs can have the role of narrative markers that change is on its way, given that they represent new actions and new thoughts outside the problem-saturated narrative.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Gustaffson suggested a similar process responsible for the maintenance of these stories, in which the only alternative to the main story is a shadow story.

    “Gustaffson (1992, see also Omer, 1994) suggested a similar process responsible for the maintenance of these stories in which the only alternative to the main story is a shadow story:”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Gustaffson, 1992

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Omer, 1994

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    For re-conceptualization innovative moments to occur, the person has to have some form of decentring from him/herself and be able to reflect about the creation of a new plot.

    “We are simply stating that for these IMs to occur the person has to have some form of decentring from him/herself and be able to reflect about the creation of a new plot.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisenone given

    This line of research is close to other research efforts, mainly by Stiles and collaborators from a dialogical perspective, and by Angus and colleagues from a narrative perspective.

    “This line of research is close to other research efforts, mainly by Stiles and collaborators (Honos-Webb & Stiles, 1998;Osatuke, Glick, Gray, Reynolds, Humphreys, 2004;Stiles, 1999) from a dialogical perspective, and by Angus and colleagues (Angus, Lewin, Bouffard & Rotondi-Trevisan, 2004;Hardtke & Angus, 2004), from a narrative perspective.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Honos-Webb & Stiles, 1998 source
    • cites Osatuke, Glick, Gray, Reynolds, Humphreys, 2004 source
    • cites Stiles, 1999 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

    Interpretationreasoning

    Re-conceptualization IMs are opportunities to develop new stories because the client positions him or herself as the author of his or her story and is able to construct change from the meta-position.

    “From our perspective, re-conceptualization IMs are viewed as opportunities to develop new stories given the fact that the client positions him or herself in the position of the author of his or her story and is able to construct change from the meta-position.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Protest innovative moments are active ways of showing the self and others that people want something very different in their life.

    “They are active ways of showing the self and others that people want something very different in their life.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Some forms of protest can also act as shadow voices of the problem, like some forms of defiance of the problem-saturated narrative.

    “We think that some forms of protest can also act as shadow voices of the problem, like some forms of defiance of the problem-saturated narrative.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    Re-conceptualization is necessary to allow the person to achieve a position of authorship in the self narrative.

    “We also think that re-conceptualization is necessary to allow the person to achieve a position of authorship in the self narrative.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationnone given

    The taxonomy of IMs allowed the authors to develop a coding system to be used in process research in psychotherapy (Innovative Moments Coding System).

    “This taxonomy of IMs allowed us to develop a coding system to be used in process research in psychotherapy (Innovative Moments Coding System).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The Innovative Moments Coding System validly identifies the proposed IM types.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Strategic therapists like Watzlawick and collaborators analyzed these paradoxical processes with a communicational and cybernetic frame.

    “Strategic therapists like Watzlawick and collaborators (e.g., Fisch, Weakland & Segal, 1982;Watzlawick, Weakland & Fish, 1974) analyzed these paradoxical processes with a communicational and cybernetic frame.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Fisch, Weakland & Segal, 1982

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Watzlawick, Weakland & Fish, 1974

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Premisecitation

    A narrative without future is a narrative that has no time and allows no change.

    “As Crites (1986) suggested, a narrative without future is a narrative that has no time and allows no change.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Crites, 1986

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    To code the re-conceptualization IM, two positions need to be present, the former self and the emergent self, which means that a meta-position over the former two is needed.

    “In fact, in order to code this IM, as we referred before, two positions need to be present, the former self and the emergent self, which means that somehow a meta-position over the former two is needed.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Interpretationreasoning

    Re-conceptualization cannot be a mere negation of the problem, because it implies the creation of new semiotic dimensions outside the duality problem/no problem.

    “Because of its nature, re-conceptualization can not be a mere negation of the problem, since it implies the creation of new semiotic dimensions outside the duality”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    Each cycle could be amplified by the validation of significant others, which could trigger new cycles of novelty exploration.

    “Each cycle could be amplified by the validation of the significant others, which could trigger new cycles of novelty exploration.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
68 of 68

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    There is no theoretical reflection about the influence of the diversity of unique outcomes on change.

    “Despite the differences traced between landscape of action and landscape of consciousness, or the distinction between past, present and future UOs, there is, to our knowledge, no theoretical reflection about the influence of the diversity of UOs on change.”

  • The authors state this as an assumption.

    What is not narrated becomes irrelevant and is easily forgotten or trivialized.

    “What makes this elaboration of novelties so meaningful in narrative therapy is the assumption that what is not narrated becomes irrelevant and is easily forgotten or trivialized (see Freedman & Combs, 1996;White & Epston, 1990;Winslade & Monk, 1999).”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The clinical examples used (phobia, depression, partner violence) are representative of problem-saturated narratives and mutual in-feeding.

    “That is the case, for example, of a person who is constrained by his or her phobia (i.e., a problem-saturated story) and dreams about an unrealistic freedom (i.e., a reflection IM).”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The sample of women victims of partner violence from which the authors tracked IMs is adequate for drawing conclusions about IMs in that population.

    “It is also our suggestion that action and reflection IMs can operate in women who are victims of partner violence (the sample from which we have tracked the different IMs) as shadow voices of oppression.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The Innovative Moments Coding System validly identifies the proposed IM types.

    “This taxonomy of IMs allowed us to develop a coding system to be used in process research in psychotherapy (Innovative Moments Coding System).”
5 of 5

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

3 of the 57 references couldn’t be matched to a known paper.

Research works printed but not linked: 14

  1. Angus L. E., 2004, The handbook of narrative psychotherapy: Practice, theory, and research, 87, 10.4135/9781412973496 · DOI
  2. Bakhtin M. M., 2000, The dialogical imagination: Four essays.
  3. Crites F., 1986, Narrative psychology: The storied nature of conduct, 152
  4. Gonçalves M. M., 2006, Journal of Constructivist Psychology, 19, 251
  5. Gonçalves M. M., 2007, Innovative moments coding system
  6. Gustafson J. P., 1992, Self-delight in a harsh world
  7. Matos M., 2006, Violência nas relações de intimidade. Estudo sobre a mudança psicoterapêutica da mulher
  8. Matos M., 2004, Assessment, intervention and legal issues with offenders and victims, 137
  9. McAdams D. P., 1993, The stories we live by: Personal myths and the making of the self
  10. Osatuke K., 2004, The handbook of narrative psychotherapy: Practice, theory, and research, 193
  11. Parry A., 1994, Story re-visions
  12. Valsiner J., 2006, Handbook of child psychology: Theoretical models of human development, 1, 166
  13. White M., 2004, Narrative practices and exotic lives: Resurrecting diversity in everyday life
  14. Winslade J., 1999, Narrative counseling in schools

Cited by

Sorted by citations

Related

Authors
Gonçalves, M. M., Matos, M., & Santos, A.
Affiliations
University of Minho (PT)
ORCID
Venue
Journal of Constructivist Psychology
Publisher
Informa UK Limited
Published
2009-01
Volume
22
Issue
1
Pages
1-23
ISSN
  • 1072-0537 (ISSN-L)
  • 1521-0650
DOI
10.1080/10720530802500748
OpenAlex
W2114233156
Cited by
222
References
57
Citations by year
2026: 10 · 2025: 11 · 2024: 7 · 2023: 11 · 2022: 10 · 2021: 7 · 2020: 20 · 2019: 16 · 2018: 13 · 2017: 6 · 2016: 20 · 2015: 17 · 2014: 9 · 2013: 14 · 2012: 15
FWCI
13.35
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Journal of Constructivist Psychology (publishedVersion)
  • Portuguese National Funding Agency for Science, Research and Technology (RCAAP Project by FCT) (submittedVersion, other-oa)
  • Portuguese National Funding Agency for Science, Research and Technology (RCAAP Project by FCT) (submittedVersion)
  • Portuguese National Funding Agency for Science, Research and Technology (RCAAP Project by FCT) (submittedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
Funders
Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Counseling, Therapy, and Family Dynamics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Psychotherapy Techniques and Applications
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Psychological Treatments and Assessments
Keywords
narrative therapy, innovative moments, life stories, reconceptualization, sustained change

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Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

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