What Is Family Mythology And How Does It Influence Identity?
Since time immemorial, history has been the axis of humanity, transmitting, from generation to generation, a series of traditions, beliefs, culture and knowledge that we have inherited from our ancestors. However, among these narratives, there is a deeply rooted story: family mythology.
This article exposes the powerful role of family mythology in the construction of identity that is, how from these transgenerational stories, individuals configure a representation of reality and the perception we have of ourselves.
“I am like that”, “The same thing always happens to me”
In therapy, it is common to hear responses like “I am like that” or “The same thing always happens to me,” and it is no coincidence that these types of statements extend beyond the therapeutic space, having reached everyday life and this being an argument. very recurrent.
But what is hidden behind this justification?
It is evident that the answer to this question, as is usual in any complex structure, is multifactorial, therefore, its explanation cannot be reduced to a single cause.
Many times, the patient emits this response unconsciously, accepting your way of being and acting as if it were predefined ; as if his identity were inexorably linked to a single, absolute truth. As a psychologist, my main goal is to understand my patients as a whole, and this involves delving into their personal experiences and the influence that their family legacy has had on shaping their perception of themselves and the world around them.
What is family mythology and how does it influence our identity?
Family mythology is a deep-rooted story that is shared within a family, transmitting, from one generation to another, a set of beliefs, rituals, traditions, patterns, values and affections that endure over time Examples of this include the stories told by our grandparents, photo albums, rituals for loss, celebrations such as Christmas and anniversaries, family roles, relational patterns, among many others.
This network of implicit and explicit messages has a significant emotional and symbolic value that can reinforce the connection between generations and will give rise to interaction patterns that will allow establishing the hierarchy of the family system and the roles of each individual.
They are transgenerational stories that not only shape the identity of the collective and the sense of belonging, but also promote the construction of the individual identity of each member of the system. Through the narratives that he has inherited from his family, the subject will shape his internal dialogue and create a set of beliefs about “who he is” and what characterizes him, being able to condition your way of thinking, feeling and acting
In the words of Ceberio and Linares (2005), “We all have an internal narrative about our family. More or less rigid, this story accompanies us in life and conditions, in practice, actions and interactions, imbuing things with meaning and helping to construct the experience of reality on a daily basis.”
“I can’t trust anyone”, “I’m not capable”, “I’m not good for this”, “No one will ever like me”… These are examples of limiting beliefs that can negatively affect decision-making, even hindering our personal and professional growth.
Instead, Empowering beliefs drive and motivate us to face challenges: “I trust myself”, “Error is an opportunity to learn”, “I am proud of what I am achieving”…
How do you work in therapy and why is it important to do so?
To understand the internal story that each person has, White and Epston (1993) propose narrative therapy, where their focus focuses on how individuals construct and give meaning to their experiences through narratives. The therapist works, together with the patient, to explore, analyze and reconstruct thought patterns and behavior that shape their personal narratives, since many people find themselves kidnapped in dominant and problematic stories that prevent them from finding solutions to adversities. In this way, an alternative narrative of your life story is offered that is adaptive and allows you to address your problems more effectively. Often, throughout the therapeutic process or as a closure, techniques such as the use of cards or rituals are used to complement the narrative reconstruction.
Conclusion
Family mythology is an invisible loom that weaves our identity from a set of intertwined threads that we have inherited from our ancestors.
Delving into the captivating journey of family stories will allow us to understand how we relate to the legacy of our ancestors and honor these transgenerational narratives that shape our individual reality.
