title: Problematizing therapeutic assumptions about narratives: a case study of storytelling events in a post-conflict context.
abstract: Narrative approaches to health communication research have often been characterized by assumptions of the therapeutic and ameliorative effect of narratives. In this article, I call these assumptions into question by critically engaging extant research in narrative health communication research in light of testimony by a participant in South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Drawing on his personal narrative, numerous retellings of his story in public and academic discourse, and his responses to his story's appropriation, I demonstrate the importance of conducting narrative research and theorizing with an appreciation of its therapeutic potential, as well as its ability to harm.
authors.affiliation: School of Communication Studies, Ohio University, Lasher Hall 037, Athens, OH 45701, USA. colec@ohio.edu
authors.forename: Courtney E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Cole
mesh_terms: D003220:Conflict, Psychological; D058015:Health Communication / Q000379:methods*; D049673:History, 20th Century; D045809:Human Rights Abuses / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D033262:Narration; D011057:Politics; D011287:Prejudice; D013019:South Africa