Walking the relational tightrope: a psychobiographical analysis of Ruthellen Josselson’s pioneering work in identity development and narrative psychology

Purpose This psychobiographical study of the distinguished psychologist, Ruthellen Josselson, aims to illustrate the parallels between her groundbreaking studies of female identity development in a relational context and her own personal and professional life. Design/methodology/approach A narrative identity analysis is used that is based on a life story interview, collection of self-defining memories and review of her major writings. The author met with Josselson over two Zoom interview sessions and transcribed the interviews. A thematic analysis of the text led to the extraction of a narrative script that reflected major themes and conflicts within Josselson’s life story. The manuscript was shared with Josselson for accuracy and feedback. Findings Both Josselson’s conceptual and research breakthroughs in female identity development, as well as her own personal growth, highlight how autonomy and independent thinking exist optimally within a relational frame, while navigating more extreme poles of merger and separation. This same relational theme emerged in how Josselson co-led a movement to bring qualitative psychology to the mainstream of the American Psychological Association. Originality/value The application of narrative identity theory to psychobiographical research is still an innovative addition to the field. The extraction of a narrative script from a life story holds great promise for the study of individual lives along with its ongoing significance to clinical work.