Understanding identity in later life : trauma-focused narratives of older Maltese adults living in residential care

Abstract

This study explores the narrative construction of trauma-related identity among older Maltese care-home residents to inform age-appropriate counselling interventions. Trauma-related identity refers to how self-concept is shaped or influenced by a perceived or real threat to self-integrity. Five women and one man without cognitive impairments, who were above 80 years old and resided in a state-owned residential care home, shared their life narratives and the meanings they attribute to experiences in relation to personal/social identity. Data was generated through in-depth, open-ended interviews using the SQUIN (Single Question Instigating Narrative) method. SQUIN was selected to encourage narrative willingness, allowing participants to structure their life stories organically and have complete control over the unfolding story, especially as their living situations were categorised by a lack of control. Rigour and trustworthiness were ensured through reflexive journaling and a code re-coding strategy. Narrative inquiry and reflexive thematic analysis (RTA) were adopted for data collection and analysis respectively, whereby five major themes emerged. These include a childhood shaped by conflict and responsibility, trauma as a cause and consequence of social roles and identity disruption, adjustment to residential life, framing hardship through normalcy and redemption, and identity anchors as a stronghold against trauma. A major implication of this study is the need for trauma-focused care and identity maintenance within counselling services for older Maltese care home residents. Recommendations for future research include narrative gerontological trauma/identity research specific to the Maltese context.