The Story of Carmen in the Lens of Locals: A Biographical Sketch of Carmen

This study explores the story of Carmen, a woman from a wealthy family during the Spanish colonization, whose life story has been passed down through generations in Cadiz City. The research employs Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and Sigmund Freud’s Psychosexual Stages to analyze Carmen’s psychological development. Using the Narrative Inquiry approach, participants were encouraged to narrate Carmen’s story in their own words, allowing a deeper understanding of the historical and emotional context. The findings reveal that although Carmen’s physiological needs were fulfilled due to her family’s affluence, her emotional needs—particularly for love, freedom, and self-actualization—remained unmet. This led to psychological distress and ultimately, her tragic death. The study contributes to the preservation of cultural heritage and promotes tourism by documenting this untold local story.