Final answer:
True, psychological research on life stories has indeed emphasized context, culture, and process over the past two decades, recognizing the significant role these factors play in shaping individual narratives and personality.
Step-by-step explanation:
True, psychological research on life stories in the past two decades has notably emphasized the roles of context, culture, and process. This is because researchers have increasingly recognized that personal narratives and individual behaviors are deeply influenced by the social, cultural, economic, geographic, and historical contexts in which individuals are embedded. The dynamic and fluid nature of life stories is illuminated when examined within these sectors, showing a shift away from early, more rigid 'stage' theories of development towards more nuanced approaches that account for a wide array of factors influencing personality and behavior.
Psychological research now often incorporates the narrative identities that form as people interpret and give meaning to their own life experiences. This intersection of personal interpretation, situational factors, and overarching cultural norms points toward an understanding of individuals as 'situation processors', a term used by Mischel (1993), where the interpretation of life events is as significant as the events themselves in shaping a person's life story and personality.
Understanding the influence of culture on personality and life stories is also crucial. It's acknowledged that while certain personality traits may be universal, culture-specific aspects also play a significant role in shaping individual differences. Hence, contemporary psychological research takes a much broader view, considering the complex interplay of various elements in the storytelling process.