Meaning-making
Sense-making is the process by which people interpret experiences and translate them into an internal frame of reference about themselves, others, and the world.
Deepening
People do not react directly to events, but to the meaning they attach to them. That meaning arises from repeated experiences in which needs were or were not met.
When autonomy is structurally limited, meaning-making can shift to “I have little influence here.”.
When competence is undermined, the narrative can become “I have to be extra careful.”.
When connection is uncertain, meaning can arise around adaptation or restraint.
Meaning-making happens largely implicitly. It's not a conscious choice, but an internal process that determines what feels logical, safe, or necessary.
Behavior does not follow the situation itself, but the meaning assigned to it.
Relationship to INR
Within the INR Model model, meaning-making is at the core of the Narrative layer. Inner Needs influence what a person is sensitive to. Meaning-making translates experiences into an inner narrative. Reaction follows as logical behavior within that narrative.
Without meaning-making, behavior would stem directly from need. With meaning-making, the personal frame of reference that guides behavior arises.