We are multistoried; each story contributing to who we are – the storied self. A number of undeveloped stories are identified in this book. This includes the hidden story before language. Others include the lazy story, the trauma story, the messy story, the body story, the problem story and the dark story. The God story brings the spiritual realm into focus. The challenge in spiritual care is to help people find an integrative deep story which can be re-authored with new and exciting possibilities. This book draws on the insights of narrative gerontology for a natural, engaging and more comprehensive spiritual care of the aged – one that results in psychological and spiritual growth. This is a unique idea which will challenge the way we think about pastoral care.

Prizes

Winner of Australasian Journal on Ageing Book Award 2019

Professor Bruce Stevens offers us a rich account and analysis of stories from the aging. In doing so he provides remarkable insight into the importance and abiding value of a narrative therapy. In doing so he builds on and extends our understanding of the storied self; the deep stories we dwell in and that shape our lives. What we discover is a discernible thread of spiritual understanding in the lives of those who are towards the latter years of their life. The result is a deeply touching and wise book that will be of great encouragement to all who care for and accompany the elderly as they are freed to tell their story. -- Stephen Pickard, executive director, Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture, Charles Sturt University
The Storied Self offers a fresh perspective on narrative gerontology by analyzing the challenges elders encounter in telling their life stories and by depicting the different story forms that can contribute to their late life spiritual growth. Many important stories are not easily accessed and this book offers helpful guidance to spiritual carers willing to accompany older persons as they explore the “deep story” of their lives. -- Susan H. McFadden, Professor Emerita, Psychology, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
This book makes a major contribution to the study of narrative especially in later life. It brings new understandings to a developmental approach for the final life story, weaving perspectives of scholarship from psychology and pastoral aspects of ageing. Professor Stevens has opened avenues for recognizing and constructing alternative and meaningful narratives in later life, using a wide variety of stories to illustrate the complexity of story among older adults. It will be of value to all who work with older people. -- Elizabeth MacKinlay, Charles Sturt University
With this book Professor Bruce Stevens brings insight, and passion, into the fascinating world of ageing and spirituality. Stories define lives – experienced to the fullest or otherwise. This is a scholarly work with much substance where his knowledge, focus on the benefits of being ‘narrative’, and fresh perspectives on a subject of growing importance, can only add value. There are truly a world of stories to tell and share. This book will help enhance the process of spiritual care and ultimately outcomes of ageing into wisdom. -- Hilda Johnson-Bogaerts, Director, Selwyn Institute for Ageing and Spirituality
The Storied Self brings a clear invitation to all Christian pastoral carers, and especially those working with older people, not to rest in ‘just’ listening but to go wider and deeper in helping each person find their true home. Drawing on a wide range of sources and including practical suggestions and examples as well as personal reflections, this work offers a valuable opportunity for personal as well as professional development for clergy and chaplains alike. -- Ilsa Hampton, Chief Executive Officer, Meaningful Ageing Australia

Bruce A. Stevens is director of the research center Colloquium for Ageing Perspectives and Spirituality (CAPS).