Stories that take care of us : a study of adolescents cast as a difficulty in family
Date
1998
Authors
Gregory, Susanne Catherine
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Abstract
This inquiry illuminates the experience of adolescents who are cast as a difficulty in their family. Much has been written about the trouble acting-out youths cause in families and many programs have been developed to help the parents of these youths. There is, however, scant information about the thoughts and feelings of adolescents who are the focus of their families' concern.
The research method involved interviewing five adolescents. The researcher's experience is also included since she is part of the phenomenon being investigated. The findings are presented in the form of first person narratives followed by an interpretation based on Bowen family systems theory and on other ways of thinking about human behaviour. The research reveals the struggles of adolescents as they attempt to make sense of their experience in family.