1st Edition
Genealogy, Psychology and Identity Tales from a family tree
Introduction Part 1: Developing ContextsChapter 1.Tales from a Family Tree – who do you think you really are? 2. Methodologies – Formal, Practical and Serendipitous Part 2: Psychological and Historical Processes 3. Pain and Loss across the years 4. Gender and Power in Family Systems 5. Immigration, Migration and Identity 6. Unhappiness, Denial and Self Destruction 7. Health, Wealth and Identity 8. Settlement of the Narrative: What do I tell my grandchildren?
Biography
Paula Nicolson is author of several successful books on women’s psychology, health and gender-power relations. Paula retired from her full time academic post as professor and former head of department at Royal Holloway, University of London, UK in 2011. She continues to write, lecture and consult to individuals and organizations while developing as a playwright.
"Such an engaging read! Nicolson has found an original method for drawing out meaning for identity from her extended family tree. She encompasses major social and psychological topics: loss, immigration, wealth, power and self-destruction. These are all related to identity, her own and those of her family affected. The range is extraordinary from California to the Russian borders, from Scottish crofters (through her husband's family) to American senators, Jewish entrepreneurs and victims of Billy the Kid. It is written with a lightness of touch that belies the extensive work which underpins it. It is both a good read and instructive for those looking to family and ancestors for self-understanding or therapeutic aid. It also tells a tale about Britain today." Antonia Bifulco, Professor Lifespan Psychology, Co-director Centre for Abuse and Trauma Studies, Middlesex University. Expert in attachment.
"A timely and thought provoking publication. Paula Nicolson is an insightful guide to social genealogy from a psychological perspective that is enhanced with rich examples drawn from her own fascinating family histories. Above all else Nicolson demonstrates that complex concepts can be expressed with clarity and that big ideas drawn from the humanities and social science research are of practical use to family and other historians." Graham Smith, Royal Holloway, University of London, UK
