Narrative Identity in Relationship-Defining Memories of Parents and Peers: Associations With Well-Being Among Asian and European American College Students

Abstract

This study examined narrative identity in relationship-defining memories and its relation to well-being in the cultural context. A total of 105 Asian and 108 European American college students (Mage = 20.16 years; 64% women) participated, each recalling four specific events, one positive and one negative, that were significant for their relationships with parents and peers, respectively. Narrative coherence and integration were coded from the written narratives. Participants also completed a battery of well-being measures. For positive parent memories, coherence was positively associated with well-being across both cultural groups, whereas for negative parent memories, the relationship depended on whether the memories integrated meaning making. No effects were found for relationship-defining memories involving peers in relation to well-being. We discussed the joint effects of coherence and integration, particularly regarding negative parent memories, in relation to well-being in the cultural context.