Personal Narratives and Female Psychological Development: An Exploratory Study
Open Access
Author:
Zimmerer, Eliza Katherine
Area of Honors:
Rehabilitation and Human Services
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Dr. Elizabeth A Mellin, Thesis Supervisor Dr. Elizabeth A Mellin, Thesis Supervisor Dr. Brandon Hunt, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
personal narratives female psychology exploratory study
Abstract:
An overrepresentation of male participants in traditional psychological research reflects a
gendered perspective in theories of development (Gilligan, 1982). In these theories,
maturity is primarily defined by themes of independence and autonomy and women are
generally labeled as immature due to their attention to relationships and empathy. Carol
Gilligan’s research on female psychology discovered the “connected voice” of
relationships that speaks throughout the process of development. Gilligan’s 1982 book
recognized six themes through which this “connected voice” emerged to shape female
psychological development: Responsibilities, Description of Self, Crisis, Motivation,
Competition, and Maturity. This qualitative and exploratory study used personal
narratives centered on these six themes to understand the process of psychological
development among female college students. Analysis of the interviews found support
for the framework developed by Gilligan as well as identified additional findings that
expand her work. The three additional themes that emerged among participants were:
Reference to Personal Experiences in Professional Work, a Contextual Orientation, and
Awareness of the Self and Others. Implications for the results of this study are presented.
