Self as future: vocational life-narratives and identity exploration in adolescence

Abstract

In this paper, we analyze the structuring role played by the subjective construction of future life-scenarios and storied self-images in the process of identity formation and vocational defi nition during adolescence. Our empirical data consist mainly of autobiographical narratives and oral discussion of moral and religious dilemmas collected through an adapted version of Dan P. McAdams Life Story Interview from a cross-sectional sample of 31 Portuguese adolescents. In addition to the narrative interview, the participants were invited to imagine and further elaborate on their desired future lives, thus describing and illustrating their conception of “good life” (or optimal psychosocial functioning). The results show that vocational and identity achievement motivation relies strongly on the dialectic and dialogical tension between contrasting grammars of prospective stories that enact the most likely possible selves and the most desirable selves or “imagined best selves”. The mindscape of perceived or constructed future selfhood gives structure and dynamism to the subjects’ self-exploration initiatives and supports the hypothesis that the meaningful activity of self-futuring is the master cognitive and emotional process in the generation of psychological time, existential direction and personal unity.