Close encounters with death often lead to profound reflections. A new study highlights how military aviators utilize storytelling to find meaning in their life-threatening experiences. Research conducted by David Long, an Associate Professor of Business at William & Mary’s Raymond A. Mason School of Business, reveals that recounting their harrowing stories not only aids in coping but also fosters a sense of purpose.
The research, titled “Stories from the Danger Zone: Conversational Storytelling and the Meaning of Work After a Close Brush with Death,” was published in the Journal of Applied Psychology. Co-authored with Jason Colquitt from the University of Notre Dame, Rachel Burgess from Arizona State University, and Kevin Rockmann from George Mason University, the study draws on interviews with 58 military aviators who faced life-threatening situations such as crashes and mechanical failures.
Long’s team discovered that storytelling serves a dual purpose: it aids in understanding past events and facilitates emotional processing. Many aviators reported that sharing their experiences not only connected them with others but also reinstated their sense of dignity and purpose in their roles.
Key Findings on Storytelling and Meaning
The research revealed a significant aspect of storytelling: it fosters “meaning as fulfillment.” Participants reported a renewed sense of significance, as their stories could potentially help others. This sense of belonging arose from the connections formed through shared narratives, while self-esteem was bolstered by recognizing their survival as a testament to their skills and resilience.
David Long emphasized, “We found that it wasn’t only the content of the story that mattered — it was how it was told.” The delivery of the story, including humor and audience reactions, played a critical role in the creation of meaning. Even narratives that included painful memories, such as the loss of fellow crew members, were used to foster connection and insight.
The researchers also proposed a theoretical model illustrating how dramatic tension within a story influences its telling. Factors such as whether lives were lost or mistakes made significantly shaped the storytelling style and its outcomes.
The Mission of Sharing Experiences
Perhaps the most striking finding is that for some aviators, storytelling evolved into a personal mission. They began to educate others, preserve memories, or advocate for enhanced safety protocols within their fields. This underscores the potential of storytelling as a calling, transcending mere narrative sharing.
This research contributes valuable insights to the fields of organizational psychology and workplace studies. While previous studies have addressed storytelling as a tool for organizational learning or personal reflection, Long and his co-authors highlight its role in deriving authentic meaning after facing existential threats.
Long encourages leaders to embrace storytelling in professional environments, particularly the more vulnerable and messy narratives. “It turns out, stories don’t just help us survive. They help us thrive,” he concluded.
As organizations navigate the complexities of workforce dynamics, this research advocates for a culture that embraces storytelling as a means to foster connection and resilience among employees, particularly those who have faced significant challenges.
