You may recall that in past work I looked at how members of the same micro-social community would reinforce each other’s autobiographical narratives towards a community based and shared prototypicality. That thesis was based in part on the interpersonal “co-construction” of an individual’s narrative that Pasupathi (2001) theorized to be an inherent aspect/effect of any narrative delivery. While her seminal work focused on co-construction and development of the autobiography over one’s lifespan, some of her current research is also exploring co-construction with the self when presenting to a projected audience (for example, when writing).

There are aspects about both of these that are fascinating, and both these angles arise in my own thought process, but I have become increasingly interested in a third option, what one might consider co-construction against a non-dynamic other. (more…)