J Banks-Wallace1. 1. Sinclair School of Nursing, University of Missouri, Columbia 65211, USA.
Abstract
PURPOSE: To examine the health-promoting functions of storytelling in a group of women. DESIGN: Secondary analysis, descriptive. A convenience sample of 28 women of African descent living in the Seattle-Tacoma region of the United States was used. METHODS: Narrative analysis of 115 stories. Data were audio-taped in four focus groups convened during a 6-week period in 1992. FINDINGS: Six major functions of storytelling were identified: (a) contextual grounding, (b) bonding with others, (c) validating and affirming experiences, (d) venting and catharsis, (e) resisting oppression, and (f) educating others. CONCLUSIONS: Storytelling is useful for learning more about historical and contextual factors affecting the well-being of women of African descent and for improving their lives. Group storytelling can create an environment that supports evaluation of experience and promotes problem-solving.
PURPOSE: To examine the health-promoting functions of storytelling in a group of women. DESIGN: Secondary analysis, descriptive. A convenience sample of 28 women of African descent living in the Seattle-Tacoma region of the United States was used. METHODS: Narrative analysis of 115 stories. Data were audio-taped in four focus groups convened during a 6-week period in 1992. FINDINGS: Six major functions of storytelling were identified: (a) contextual grounding, (b) bonding with others, (c) validating and affirming experiences, (d) venting and catharsis, (e) resisting oppression, and (f) educating others. CONCLUSIONS: Storytelling is useful for learning more about historical and contextual factors affecting the well-being of women of African descent and for improving their lives. Group storytelling can create an environment that supports evaluation of experience and promotes problem-solving.
Authors: Rebecca E Lee; Daniel P O'Connor; Renae Smith-Ray; Scherezade K Mama; Ashley V Medina; Jacqueline Y Reese-Smith; Jorge A Banda; Charles S Layne; Marcella Brosnan; Catherine Cubbin; Tracy McMillan; Paul A Estabrooks Journal: Am J Health Promot Date: 2012 Mar-Apr