Life Stories of Individuals Living With Mental Illness and Experiencing Child Maltreatment From Caregivers During Childhood

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to explore how adults with mental illness who experienced child maltreatment from caregivers in childhood narrate and reinterpret their life stories.

Methods: Guided by a dialogic constructionist approach, we conducted a life story study with three female participants. Each participant underwent three sessions of non-structured, in-depth interviews, which were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data analysis proceeded in two phases: (1) examining “tale worlds” to identify narrative content and themes, and (2) focusing on “story realms” to investigate how interviewer–interviewee interactions shaped the storytelling process. The research received ethical approval from the university’s Ethics Committee (Approval No. 2023N-024), and informed consent was obtained from all participants.

Results: Although participants described various traumatic childhood experiences and ongoing struggles with mental illness, they also identified subtle positive elements that contributed to their current sense of self and relationships. These findings revealed a complex interplay between negative past events and newly discovered meanings, indicating potential pathways for resilience and growth.

Conclusion: The study highlights the value of narrative-based support that respects the multifaceted contexts of survivors rather than focusing solely on pathology. Recognizing both adversity and positive aspects within their life stories may enhance clinical and community interventions for individuals seeking to make sense of their past experiences and move toward recovery.