The Transformative Self

Book excerpt: "This chapter introduces the main features of the transformative self-what it is and is not. For instance, the transformative self is not a person but rather a self-identity that a person uses to facilitate personal growth. The person creates a transformative self primarily in their evolving life story. This growth-oriented narrative identity helps the person to cultivate growth toward a good life for the self and others. The chapter provides an overview of the book's theoretical approach and topics. The book's first section examines the components of personal growth, narrative identity, and a good life that culturally characterize the transformative self. The second section explores he personality and social ecology of the person who has a transformative self. The third section shows how the transformative self itself develops over time. The final section explores the hazards and heights of having a transformative self"--