Taking Narrative Risk: The Empowerment of Abuse Survivors

by Lori L. Montalbano-Phelps

This powerful book recounts the process of a study that examines personal narratives of abuse survivors by assessing the relationship between narration and teller empowerment. The narratives, which include survival stories of rape, incest, and battery, were collected in personal interviews, transcribed, and coded for emergent themes. Results of the study indicate that narrating experiences of victimization and abuse is a necessary step in moving from victimization and survivorship, and is an essential way for victims of abuse to become empowered.

The book discusses in detail the fundamental steps in acquiring narrative research. Special attention is paid to the precautions and implications of conducting research on sensitive material. Through its examination of the data collection and analysis processes, Taking Narrative Risk will be beneficial in coursework in communication studies, performance methodology, and narrative analysis.

146 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004