Assessment system of narrative change validation studies

Abstract

Aims: The Assessment System of Narrative Change (ASNC) characterizes and evaluates narratives and their changes in therapy, across seven dimensions: singularities (A), nature of the story (B), narrative connotation (C), telling of the story (D), narrative reflexivity (E), session themes (F) and alternative behaviors (G). Method: The ASNC was applied in 83 sessions to evaluate its reliability and validity: 22 sessions of systemic family therapy related to substance abuse problems (study 1), 15 sessions of couple and family therapy related to several different problems (study 2) and 46 sessions of family therapy related to parental neglect, with 18 non-voluntary families (study 3). Results: The estimated reliability of the ASNC (Cohen’s Kappa) varies between excellent and satisfactory. The validity of the ASNC was established through its accuracy in the narrative evaluation of different problems and therapeutic modalities (family and couple therapy). Conclusions: Singularities, narrative reflexivity and the change in session themes (to nonproblematic themes) were the dimensions that changed the most in cases with good outcomes compared to those with poor outcomes.

Keywords

• Avaliação
• Narrativa
• Mudança
• Fidelidade e Validade do SAMN