People begin forming their life stories in early adolescence and late adulthood, but have their roots in their first attachment relationships in infancy.

People create a life story that is an internalised narrative with a beginning, a middle and an anticipated ending. During middle and older adulthood, a major challenge is to integrate the different aspects of the self, while creating an appropriate and satisfying ending of the life story becomes increasingly important

People always create a life story with a happy ending.

The life story is created and stays the same throughout adulthood, even despite changes, and as the changing environment places new demands on them.