The Stories of Our Lives

How the stories we tell about ourselves and others shape who we are

Identity
The COVID-19 Generation

Robyn Fivush Ph.D. on March 11, 2026

Each generation has a defining event that creates a sense of shared identity, a core experience that shapes who they are forever—a generational identity.

Each generation has a defining event that creates a sense of shared identity, a core experience that shapes who they are forever—a generational identity.

Memory
History as Story; Story as History

Robyn Fivush Ph.D. on July 14, 2025

Stories help us understand lived experience, and many stories told from many perspectives help us understand our collective story.

Stories help us understand lived experience, and many stories told from many perspectives help us understand our collective story.

Family Dynamics
Family Stories and Secrets

Robyn Fivush Ph.D. on December 6, 2024

Family secrets can be destructive. Bringing these stories to light, even as adults, can help us understand, heal, and forgive.

Family secrets can be destructive. Bringing these stories to light, even as adults, can help us understand, heal, and forgive.

Child Development
Stories Give Us Roots and Wings

Robyn Fivush Ph.D. on November 11, 2024

Stories that help us understand how someone navigated difficult paths, their missteps, corrections, and recalibrations, help make that path more real.

Stories that help us understand how someone navigated difficult paths, their missteps, corrections, and recalibrations, help make that path more real.

Race and Ethnicity
Do You Need to Talk to Your Child About Race?

Robyn Fivush Ph.D. on June 26, 2024

Difficult conversations about race and discrimination can help children process and validate their experiences, provide coping strategies, and build strength and resilience.

Difficult conversations about race and discrimination can help children process and validate their experiences, provide coping strategies, and build strength and resilience.

Back
Back
Find a Therapist
Back
Get Help
Back
Magazine
May 2026 magazine cover
May 2026
Fresh Start

The best way to begin something new—in love, work, and life.

Subscribe Issue Archive
Back
Tests
Self Tests
Self Tests

Self Tests are all about you. Are you outgoing or introverted? Are you a narcissist? Does perfectionism hold you back? Find out the answers to these questions and more with Psychology Today.

Self Assessments
Quizzes