When I began my PhD, I thought I had everything in place: a solid research topic, a supportive advisory committee, and a deep commitment to my studies. Yet, over time, I found myself stuck. Life was overwhelming—balancing research with raising a young family, running a consulting business, and building a house. Progress on my PhD stalled, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was failing. I needed clarity.

At the time, I was using Greimas’s Actantial Model in my PhD research to analyze how self-narratives varied across cultures. The model, developed by semiotician Algirdas Julien Greimas, breaks down stories into roles or actants that influence outcomes. I never thought to turn the model’s lens on myself. Then, during one of our meetings, my supervisor made a suggestion that changed everything: “Why don’t you try using Greimas’s model to map out what’s going on in your own life?”

This became a turning point—not only in my PhD, but in how I approached problem-solving across all areas of my life. The framework I had been using to understand cross-cultural narratives soon became a powerful tool for untangling my own story and for helping others navigate their own challenges.

How GAM Analysis Helped Me Overcome Academic Stagnation

The Actantial Model breaks down any narrative into three axes and six actants: 1) Axis of Desire: the Subject (the one seeking something), the Object (the goal); 2) Axis of Communication: the Sender (the motivating force), the Receiver (those who benefit when the goal is achieved); 3) Axis of Conflict: the Helper (those who support the Subject), and the Opponent (the obstacles or forces working against the Subject).

Diagram of Greimas’s Actantial Model (GAM)

I was the Subject, and my Object was completing my PhD. My Helpers included my supervisor, parents (who helped care for my children), my advisory committee, and my husband. The Sender, guiding and motivating me, was my supervisor and advisory committee.

Initially, I thought the Opponent was the external pressure of juggling family, work, study, and building a house. But after using GAM analysis, I realized that the real Opponents were a combination of limiting beliefs and a toxic friendship that had been draining my energy and confidence. The self-doubt, fear of failure, and negative influence from this friendship were all feeding into the belief and story that I wasn’t capable of handling it all. These internal and relational Opponents were the real forces holding me back.

By visualizing these actants through the GAM analysis, I gained clarity on the real issues and how to move forward. The model helped me see that I had all the support I needed and that the only thing truly in my way was the story I was telling myself. This insight allowed me to confront my Opponents, lean on my Helpers, and make significant progress on my PhD.

Expanding the Power of GAM Analysis in Clinical Practice

After using GAM analysis to overcome my academic challenges, I began to see how powerful this model could be in other areas of life. One of the first areas I applied it to was clinical practice.

When a person feels stuck—whether due to personal struggles, relationship issues, or mental health challenges—GAM analysis can provide a powerful tool to untangle their story. In my clinical work, I started using the model to help clients map out their own narratives. By identifying the Subject (the client), the Object (their goal or desired outcome), and the Opponents (what’s standing in their way), clients can gain clarity on the true nature of their obstacles.

More importantly, the model also helps clarify where their Helpers are and how they can leverage these supports to move forward. In this way, GAM analysis becomes a practical, visual tool for understanding the narrative of someone’s life and helping them find solutions. The process of identifying the actants in their story helps people recognize their own power and agency, as well as the external and internal forces they need to navigate.

Applying GAM Analysis to Business Organizations

Beyond personal and clinical applications, I soon realized the potential of GAM analysis for solving problems in business organizations. Many businesses face complex challenges, often without a clear understanding of what—or who—is standing in the way of their success.

By using GAM analysis, organizations can map out their objectives, identify the actants within their system, and gain clarity on where their Opponents lie. Whether it’s internal conflict, misaligned departments, or external market forces, the model can visually break down these obstacles and reveal the path to overcoming them. The framework not only helps diagnose issues but also clarifies which resources (Helpers) can be leveraged to achieve the desired outcome.

For businesses, GAM analysis provides a structured way to understand the forces shaping their narrative. It’s not just about identifying problems but about mapping the way forward—understanding who is helping, what the goal is, and how to overcome the challenges that lie in the path to success.

How GAM Analysis Became My Go-To Problem-Solving Tool

Over time, I began calling this approach GAM analysis, a shorthand for Greimas’s Actantial Model. Whether in academic research, clinical settings, or business contexts, the model provided a clear, structured way to understand challenges and visualize solutions.

Through my PhD research, I discovered how self-narratives differ across cultures. But on a personal level, GAM analysis taught me something even more valuable: how we tell our own stories affects how we overcome obstacles. By reframing the narrative, I was able to change the way I approached my goals.

GAM analysis became my go-to tool for gaining clarity, not just in my PhD, but in every area of my life. Whether you're facing personal struggles, clinical challenges, or organizational issues, GAM analysis can help you navigate the forces at play and chart a clear path forward.

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About the Author

Lidia Lae, Ph.D., is a writer, psychologist, and speaker, committed to empowering individuals and organisations to build healthier cultures for meaningful contribution.