The Architecture of the Self: Autobiographical Memory Mapping and Resilience in Global Populations

Abstract

This research investigates the role of Internal Autobiographical Maps (IAM) as a psychological framework for resilience and identity restoration in various cultural situations. The study investigates the connections among autobiographical reflection, trauma healing, emotional regulation, and cross-cultural adaptation using data from 200 participants using a mixed-methods methodology. According to independent t-tests, those who had experienced trauma reported far more autobiographical integration and identity coherence than participants who had not, indicating that trauma often prompts more in-depth introspection. Confidence, positive reframing, and narrative were shown to be significant predictors of resilience and general well-being by regression analysis. Further evidence that closure, meaning-making, and emotional reframing are crucial autobiographical techniques that aid in trauma recovery and improve emotional stability came from ANOVA and correlation studies. Multivariate results also showed that individuals were very emotionally open and culturally adaptive, underscoring the worldwide applicability of autobiographical mapping. All things considered, the findings demonstrate that IAM enhances psychological resilience by fusing events from the past, present, and future into a cohesive self-story. According to the study\'s findings, autobiographical memory mapping is an effective strategy for fostering resilience and identity reconstruction in people all over the world. This has important ramifications for therapeutic practice, educational initiatives, and cross-cultural mental health treatments.

Introduction

This study examines how the Internal Autobiographical Map (IAM)—the process of organizing personal memories into a coherent life narrative—shapes identity, emotional regulation, and psychological resilience. Identity and mental stability are built through lived experiences, and how individuals interpret, integrate, and reflect on these experiences determines their adaptability and continuity of self. IAM serves as a psychological framework that links past experiences with present identity and future goals, playing a crucial role in trauma recovery and well-being.

Traumatic events often disrupt self-continuity and emotional balance, but they can also trigger deeper self-reflection and narrative reconstruction. Through autobiographical practices such as meaning-making, reframing, journaling, and storytelling, individuals can integrate painful experiences into a broader life story, transforming distress into resilience and self-awareness. IAM is especially important in multicultural and cross-cultural contexts, where migration and cultural transitions challenge identity and require flexible yet coherent self-narratives.

Using a mixed-methods design, the study collected data from 200 participants across diverse cultural backgrounds. Quantitative analyses (correlations, t-tests, regression) and qualitative thematic analysis were used to examine links between autobiographical mapping, resilience, coping strategies, and well-being. Results showed that trauma-exposed individuals demonstrated significantly higher autobiographical integration than non-trauma participants, suggesting that trauma intensifies narrative reflection and identity reconstruction. Memory mapping, meaning-making, and reframing were positively associated with resilience, emotional regulation, and psychological well-being.

Conclusion

The study \"The Architecture of the Self: Autobiographical Memory Mapping and Resilience in Global Populations,\" the Internal Autobiographical Map (IAM) is an essential psychological tool for resilience building, identity reconstruction, and cross-cultural adaptive functioning. Results from all objective show that people who have experienced trauma exhibit more autobiographical reflection and integration, indicating that trauma may stimulate more in-depth introspection and meaningful identity reconstruction. According to regression studies, psychological resilience and autobiographical mapping are closely related, with self-assurance and recovery skills forecasting cohesive life stories. While narrative and reflective remembering practices had transformational effects for well-being and confidence, important autobiographical techniques including positive reframing, closure, and meaning-making were crucial in trauma recovery and emotional regulation. Strong cultural adaptation and emotional stability among participants were also indicated by descriptive and multivariate data, highlighting the worldwide application of IAM. All things considered, the research demonstrates that autobiographical mapping is a potent technique that helps people to transform life events into cohesive self-narratives, build resilience, and preserve emotional equilibrium in a variety of social and cultural contexts.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Stoyana Natseva. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.