How narrative therapy helps long-term couples reauthor intimacy amid perimenopausal identity shifts
Faculty Sponsor(s)
Stephanie Armes, Ph.D.
Presentation Type
Event
Project Type
Research proposal
Primary Department
Marriage and Family Therapy
Description
Perimenopause is a complex life transition that often challenges a woman’s sense of identity, desirability, and relational intimacy, particularly in long-term relationships. Dominant cultural narratives surrounding aging and beauty can contribute to internalized shame and fear of vulnerability, impacting emotional and sexual connection. This proposed study explores the perceived impact of a narrative therapy-informed intervention on fear of intimacy and identity reconstruction in couples where one partner is navigating perimenopause. Drawing on prior research demonstrating narrative therapy’s effectiveness in improving relational satisfaction and reducing intimacy-related distress, this mixed-methods design will combine pre- and post-intervention assessments with qualitative narrative analysis. The study aims to examine how deconstructing oppressive cultural narratives and reauthoring preferred identity stories can foster greater intimacy and relational resilience. Findings may inform more culturally responsive, meaning-centered approaches for clinicians supporting couples through midlife transitions.
Copyright Status
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Additional Rights Information
Copyright held by author(s).
How narrative therapy helps long-term couples reauthor intimacy amid perimenopausal identity shifts
Perimenopause is a complex life transition that often challenges a woman’s sense of identity, desirability, and relational intimacy, particularly in long-term relationships. Dominant cultural narratives surrounding aging and beauty can contribute to internalized shame and fear of vulnerability, impacting emotional and sexual connection. This proposed study explores the perceived impact of a narrative therapy-informed intervention on fear of intimacy and identity reconstruction in couples where one partner is navigating perimenopause. Drawing on prior research demonstrating narrative therapy’s effectiveness in improving relational satisfaction and reducing intimacy-related distress, this mixed-methods design will combine pre- and post-intervention assessments with qualitative narrative analysis. The study aims to examine how deconstructing oppressive cultural narratives and reauthoring preferred identity stories can foster greater intimacy and relational resilience. Findings may inform more culturally responsive, meaning-centered approaches for clinicians supporting couples through midlife transitions.
Rights Statement
