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Narrative construction of resilience: stories of older Czech adults

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 August 2016

EVA DUBOVSKÁ ,
VLADIMÍR CHRZ ,
PETER TAVEL ,
IVA POLÁČKOVÁ ŠOLCOVÁ  and
JIŘÍ RŮŽIČKA
EVA DUBOVSKÁ*
Affiliation:
Olomouc University Social Health Institute, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic.
VLADIMÍR CHRZ
Affiliation:
Institute of Psychology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic.
PETER TAVEL
Affiliation:
Olomouc University Social Health Institute, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic.
IVA POLÁČKOVÁ ŠOLCOVÁ
Affiliation:
Institute of Psychology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic.
JIŘÍ RŮŽIČKA
Affiliation:
Prague College of Psychosocial Studies, Czech Republic.
*
Address for correspondence: Eva Dubovská, Olomouc University Social Health Institute, Palacky University, Univerzitní 22, 771 11 Olomouc, Czech Republic E-mail: eva.dubovska@oushi.upol.cz
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Abstract

Some older adults handle the pitfalls of ageing better than others. One explanation emerges from the concept of resilience, the ability to bounce back from the adversities of later life. In this study, we approached resilience from the narrative perspective. This study is a part of a project based on the DIPEx qualitative methodology, focused on different aspects of ageing. A combination of narrative and semi-structured interviews was conducted with 50 older adults (aged 75 and over). From the total number of interviews, a sub-group of 11 resilient participants was selected on the basis of the criteria set for resilience: (a) past exposure to adversity; and (b) positive adaptation to this adversity in terms of quality of life, happiness and activity. The results of the analysis are presented in the framework of five categories: (a) thematic lines, (b) agency and positioning; (c) values and beliefs; (d) reflections and perspectives; and (e) plot and genre. Both agency and reflections point to actively resisting old age as an important characteristic of resilient older adults in the Czech Republic. This resistance is often allied with irony, but we have also found genres of heroic coping and affirmation of lucky moments. Key thematic lines were love of life, emphasis on the importance of movement and positive social relationships; key values expressed by the participants were relational, existential and spiritual.

Keywords

resilienceageingolder adultsnarrativenarrative gerontologyagency
Type
Articles
Information
Ageing & Society , Volume 37 , Issue 9 , October 2017 , pp. 1849 - 1873
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2016 

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