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SYNOPSISObjective. To synthesize existing theory and research into a novel interdisciplinary framework for understanding and investigating family storytelling as a critical developmental process for family and individual well-being, and to introduce this special issue that includes six new empirical articles on family storytelling. Design. Through theoretical integration and review of extant empirical findings, the authors explicate a model of intergenerational family storytelling. Results. A review across the developmental psychology and communication literatures reveal similarities as well as novel interpretations of the role of family storytelling in child development and family functioning. The review raises questions about issues of culture and silence in family storytelling, which are addressed in the empirical articles to follow in this issue. Conclusions. The new theoretical framework, review of existing literature, and preview of the findings presented in this special issue illustrate the power and potential of family stories and family storytelling for both individual and family well-being across generations.
Fıvush et al. (Wed,) studied this question.