Does intra-individual variability in narration matter and for what?

•Intraindividual variability is not a property of the individual, but depends on narrative feature.•Intraindividual variability is most evident in resolution, and least in aspects of coherence and emotion.•Intraindividual variability is related to well-being for markers of coherence, and in self-defining memories.•Recognition of other's narratives is possible, but not clearly related to the features of variability or to well-being.

Building on calls to examine intra-individual variability in personality, we examined such variability in narrative. In Study 1, participants (n = 553) provided three narratives (either self-defining, turning point, transgression, low point, or trauma memories; n = 1659 narratives). Narratives were coded for coherence, autobiographical reasoning, resolution, and emotional expression. Variability was highest for resolution, lowest for coherence, and was related to well-being, depending on narrative feature and event type. In Study 2, participants (n = 103) engaged in a 'narrative recognition' task to see if they could identify which narratives came from the same individual. Recognizability was substantial, but not related to variability or well-being. Results showcase the importance of addressing intra-individual variability by narrative feature and event type.