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Analysis of the functions and experienced effects of narrative futuring - Analyse van de functies en ervaren effecten van narratieve futuring

Nolden, Lina (2013) Analysis of the functions and experienced effects of narrative futuring - Analyse van de functies en ervaren effecten van narratieve futuring.

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Abstract:The present explorative study approaches the qualitative analysis of the functions and the experienced effects of narrative futuring (i.e. imagining the future through storytelling). So far, a decisive definition of narrative futuring and an insight into the psychological processes underlying narrative futuring and its effects still lack. The scrutinised data-set consists of 203 letters which are written by the participants from an imagined positive future and the answer to an open question regarding how the participants experienced writing the letter. The participants are mostly Dutch and German students of the University of Twente, Enschede. First, the functions that characterise the letters from the future are analysed on the basis of an already established list of functions which is refined. These functions help to realise the nature of the letters. Then the answers to an open question which show the experienced effects of the letters are analysed and a list of categories is established. The examination of these answers is crucial because they reveal how the participants themselves experience narrative futuring and which effect the letters have on the participants. Finally, a comparison of the functions and the experienced effects is drawn. The comparison of the functions and the effects is based on four main categories in psychology: thought, action, will and emotion. In total, 23 psychological functions could be established. The results highlight the central role of the functions “imagine” and “recall past events” and thus reflect the rational cognitive character of the letters. Generally the participants seem to experience the writing as positive. For the major part the letters were experienced as great and/or difficult. In comparison, the letters mostly deal with rational cognitive processes, while the effects mentioned by the participants can be situated in the realm of emotions. Despite limitations such as the sample size and the used unit of analysis the study depicts a starting point in the analysis of narrative futuring and several new insights could be gained.
Item Type:Essay (Bachelor)
Faculty:BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:77 psychology
Programme:Psychology BSc (56604)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/63315
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