Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) Practice Exam

Which term describes the overarching narrative that influences an individual's life story?

1. Dirty Middle

2. Dominant Story

3. Displacement Story

4. Disease Model of Addiction

The correct answer is: Dominant Story

The term describing the overarching narrative that influences an individual's life story is the Dominant Story. This concept is rooted in narrative therapy, where therapy focuses on the stories clients tell about themselves and their experiences. The Dominant Story represents the central narrative that typically shapes a person's identity, perceptions, and interactions with the world. In this context, it encompasses the values, beliefs, and experiences that have been prioritized and accepted by the individual, often influencing their choices, behaviors, and emotional well-being. By recognizing and understanding this overarching narrative, therapists can help clients explore alternative narratives or reframe their experiences, facilitating personal growth and change. The other options do not capture the idea of a personal narrative in the same way. The Dirty Middle typically refers to a challenging part of a process or relationship, often depicting conflict rather than a comprehensive personal narrative. The Displacement Story might involve themes of avoidance or denial but does not encapsulate the idea of a dominant narrative throughout someone's life. Lastly, the Disease Model of Addiction refers specifically to a medical perspective on addiction as a chronic disease, which does not relate to the broader narrative understanding of a person's life story.