Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) Practice Exam

In narrative therapy, what are sociocultural norms that can control one's personal narrative called?

1. Disengagement

2. Dominant Cultural Discourses

3. Discontinuous Change

4. Displacement Story

The correct answer is: Dominant Cultural Discourses

In narrative therapy, the term that refers to sociocultural norms controlling an individual's personal narrative is known as dominant cultural discourses. These discourses encompass the societal beliefs, values, and assumptions that shape how individuals perceive themselves and their experiences. They influence the narratives that people tell about their lives, often dictating standards for success, relationships, identity, and behavior based on their cultural context. Understanding dominant cultural discourses is crucial in narrative therapy because therapists help clients recognize and separate their personal stories from the restrictive narratives imposed by society. This awareness allows clients to challenge and redefine those narratives to better align with their true selves and experiences, fostering empowerment and self-acceptance. The other options do not accurately represent the concept of sociocultural norms influencing personal narratives. Disengagement refers to a client's withdrawal from relationships or emotional involvement, which is not about controlling personal narratives. Discontinuous change generally signifies abrupt and drastic personal transformation, while displacement story refers to a different aspect of narrative therapy related to shifting focus away from the problem story. The focus on dominant cultural discourses emphasizes the impact of societal norms on personal narratives, making this the correct choice.