Why Family Stories Matter More Than You Think
Decades of research from Emory University reveals a powerful truth: children who know their family stories are significantly more resilient, confident, and emotionally healthy.
"The single most important thing you can do for your family may be the simplest of all: develop a strong family narrative."
Bruce Feiler
Author, "The Secrets of Happy Families"
From his viral New York Times article "The Stories That Bind Us" — one of the most-read articles in the paper's history
The Groundbreaking Research
In the early 2000s, Dr. Marshall Duke and Dr. Robyn Fivush at Emory University made a remarkable discovery about what makes children resilient. Their findings have since been validated across cultures worldwide.
Dr. Marshall Duke
Psychologist, Emory University
Co-creator of the 'Do You Know?' scale measuring children's knowledge of family history
"Children who have the most self-confidence have what we call a strong 'intergenerational self.' They know they belong to something bigger than themselves."
"The answers have to do with a child's sense of being part of a larger family."
Dr. Robyn Fivush
Psychologist, Emory University
Leading researcher on autobiographical memory and family narratives
"It helps them make sense of their experiences when something senseless happens... When we don't know what to do, we look for stories about how people have coped in the past."
"Our research has continued to show that the act of storytelling, rather than just knowing the facts of family history, creates these positive outcomes."
Bruce Feiler
Author & Journalist
Popularised Duke & Fivush's research through his viral New York Times article
"The single most important thing you can do for your family may be the simplest of all: develop a strong family narrative."
His 2013 NYT article 'The Stories That Bind Us' became one of the most-read and most-shared articles in the paper's history.
The Key Discovery
"Our research has continued to show that the act of storytelling, rather than just knowing the facts of family history, creates these positive outcomes."
— Dr. Robyn Fivush
It's not enough to simply know facts about your family. The magic happens in the telling — the conversations, the questions, the shared moments of discovery. That's what builds resilience.
What the Research Shows
Children who know their family stories demonstrate measurably better outcomes across multiple dimensions.
Greater Resilience
Children who know their family stories handle stress better and recover more quickly from setbacks.
Higher Self-Esteem
Understanding your family's journey builds a stronger sense of identity and self-worth.
Better Emotional Regulation
Family stories provide templates for handling difficult emotions and situations.
Stronger Family Bonds
Sharing stories creates deeper connections across generations and strengthens family identity.
The "Intergenerational Self"
"Children who have the most self-confidence have what we call a strong 'intergenerational self.' They know they belong to something bigger than themselves."
— Dr. Marshall Duke
When children understand that their family has faced challenges before and overcome them, they develop an unshakeable sense of identity. They know that whatever they face, they come from people who have survived and thrived.
Ready to Build Your Family's Story?
Our apps are designed to help you capture, share, and preserve the stories that build resilience across generations.
Research referenced: Duke, M.P. & Fivush, R. (2001-present). The Family Narratives Project, Emory University. Feiler, B. (2013). "The Stories That Bind Us." The New York Times.