Storying the Past, Creating the Future: Hope and Narrative Openness in a Writing Group for Older Women

Authors

Abstract

Studies on the therapeutic impacts of writing and sharing stories in older adulthood have focused on groups facilitated by professionals. The present inquiry sought to investigate the experiences of older women in a grassroots, community-based writing group. Participants were three women writers aged 79 years and older. Their experiences with their group were encountered using a narrative inquiry approach that involved semi-structured interviews, writing samples, and field notes. The women’s practice of writing and sharing stories with female peers was understood to enhance their hopefulness for the future and their sense of agency. This inquiry extends research on creativity and well-being in older adulthood, emphasizing the therapeutic implications of older adults leading their creative practices in group settings.

Author Biographies

Kelly J. Mills, University of Saskatchewan

Kelly J. Mills is a counsellor and provisional psychologist at Medicine Hat College. Kelly’s research interests include creative writing and identity making.

Jennifer J. Nicol, University of Saskatchewan

Jennifer J. Nicol is professor emerita at the University of Saskatchewan, a registered doctoral psychologist (non-practising), and an accredited music therapist. She has expertise in qualitative methodology and a long-standing interest in music as a means of restoring or maintaining well-being across varied populations and circumstances.

M. Shaun Murphy, University of Saskatchewan

M. Shaun Murphy is professor and head of the Department of Educational Foundations at the University of Saskatchewan. Shaun’s research interests are based in relational narrative inquiry; self-study of teacher practice; familial and school curriculum making; identity; rural education; the interwoven lives of children, families, and teachers; and teacher education.

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Published

2020-08-27

How to Cite

Mills, K. J., Nicol, J. J., & Murphy, M. S. (2020). Storying the Past, Creating the Future: Hope and Narrative Openness in a Writing Group for Older Women. Canadian Journal of Counselling and Psychotherapy, 54(3), 430–450. Retrieved from https://dev.journalhosting.ucalgary.ca/index.php/rcc/article/view/61249

Issue

Vol. 54 No. 3 (2020): Special Issue - Creative Arts Therapies

Section

Special Issue Articles/ Articles d'édition spéciale

License

Copyright is retained by the Canadian Journal of Counselling and Psychotherapy.