Intergenerational Interview Free Essay Example, 1000 words

Integration with text According to Brown and Lowis (2003), individuals within their 80s and 90s develop new demands, difficulties, and re-evaluations that require adequate confrontation and discussion achievable by designating a ninth stage that would clarify such challenges (Brown & Lowis, 2003). This proposition was earlier made by Erikson himself, and the researchers in the study only targeted at investigating if such a stage could be established and hold significance for individuals beyond the eighth stage, characterized by â€Å"integrity† versus â€Å"despair†. The findings of the study revealed that human beings are constantly developing psychologically and spiritually, all through their lifespan, for as long as they may live. According to the authors of the article, such knowledge is of great importance in terms of comforting those individuals that are aging, and of value to relatives, caregivers, and friends who can gain in terms of developing in-depth understanding of the superfic ial behaviour of the elderly (Brown & Lowis, 2003). Conclusion From the interview I conducted with Catherine, one of the most important things I learned is the importance of having interests, as one grows old. We will write a custom essay sample on Intergenerational Interview or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/pageorder now Such interests may either be creative, intellectual, or social. At an advanced age, such interests should not be necessarily directed towards achieving certain objectives or goals, as they are mostly important in maintaining self-identity. Erikson’s contradiction between â€Å"integrity† and â€Å"despair† does not clearly capture the niceties of growing old. These are just the end states that one attains after growing old, but do not involve the process of growing old. Erikson’s stages of psychological were highly important in understanding Catherine and her current state of psychological development. Interview questions and responses 1. What makes this stage of your life different from the rest? Catherine explained that she had faced a series of health issues including dependency, mobility, and ability to carry out activities. She mentioned that she could no longer walk and that she needed a walker to move from one place to another within the house. She also mentioned her loneliness given that she was initially used to her family members including her husband and two daughters, yet she now lives in an assisted care facility. 2. What personal events significantly shaped your life? According to Catherine, he earlier life as she grew up in her town of birth, in the Midwest, was one of the most important parts of her life as she had kind and loving parents, although somehow distant from her.