A Constructivist Approach to the Thematic Apperception Test Page: 19
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core structure of the self is imperative to the meaning-making process.
Constructivists view the self as dynamic, always becoming, never static.
According to constructivists, the self is active, forceful, and capable of change (Guidano,
1987, 1991b; Markus & Nurius, 1986). Study of the self is important to constructivists
because, on the one hand, individuals experience a continuity of self or felt identity, while,
on the other hand, individuals experience growth and change. Mahoney (1990, 1991)
theorized that hermeneutics can contribute to the study of the self through such narrative
techniques as personal journals, autobiographies, and life reviews. Other constructivists
(Goncalves, 1994a,b; Neimeyer, 1994; Vogel, 1994) concur with Mahoney, describing the
self as a narrative in process. Markus and Nurius (1986) theorized possible selves, by
which individuals construct views of what they were, what they are, what they might
become, what they would like to become, and what they fear becoming. Hence, past,
present, and future converge in the concept of possible selves. The self, theorized as a
narrative in process, can be accessed through narrative means, hopefully leading to
tnerapeutic ends (White & Epson, 1990). The TAT, as a narrative technique, can
augment constructivist interpretations and understandings of the self in process.
Power, control, or ability. In respect to the core ordering process of power or
control, constructivists draw from the works of Bandura (1977, 1986) on self-efficacy,
self-mastery, and self-regulation. In addition, concepts such as external or internal locus
of control relate power to the core ordering process of the self. Because constructivists
believe that knowing and doing go hand-in-hand (Bruner, 1990a; Gopnik, 1990), the
individual's power or control relates to the ability to create adaptive psychological and
ecological niches. Kelly (1955) called this creative process constructive alternativism.
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Jones, John V. (John Victor). A Constructivist Approach to the Thematic Apperception Test, dissertation, August 1996; Denton, Texas. (https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc279008/m1/23/: accessed May 6, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu; .