ABSTRACT
An individual’s personal identity sometimes changes over their life span. Changes in one’s identity are crucial to the desistance of antisocial behaviors and the recovery process for those convicted of crimes or suffering from addiction. This chapter begins with an introduction to narrative identity theory and reviews studies that examined themes of redemption within self-narratives for those on a path to desistance. Given that stressful and traumatic experiences are often observed as triggers in these cases, we address post-traumatic growth (PTG) to highlight how the PTG theoretical model may contribute to our understanding of the changes experienced by those with a history of antisocial behaviors. After discussing how narratives of change and PTG are distinct, we address the strengths of identifying the meaning behind changes in identity and narratives for those with a history of antisocial behaviors. Finally, the chapter concludes by identifying directions for future studies.
