Life Review, Research Paper Example

Introduction

My interview was with a 70 year old Caucasian man at the site of his family’s business, Redland Grocery. For confidentiality sake he will be referred to as Mr. DA throughout this paper, as he was assured that his information would be kept confidential, as he wished. Mr. DA states that he had a pleasant childhood and while he didn’t have much as far as monetary items, that he was a happy child, with an overall positive childhood. He spoke of his wife, marriage and the two sons that they share. Mr. DA has been self-employed for years and now runs his family business with his sons, which he states is a great accomplishment in his life. When speaking of his marriage he disclosed that his marriage had ended in divorce and he feels that it is because of his alcoholism. Visibly emotional, he went on to discuss other significant events in his life, as a near fatal accident in his teen years that left his without sight in one eye and his face visibly scarred. Understandably, Mr. DA expressed his regrets and consequences that his past actions have led to in his life. While moved by the interview he appeared to have made peace within himself for negatives in his life through believing that they were learning experiences that helped him build knowledge along the way.

Analysis of Life Review

During the interview Mr. DA talked about the remembrance of his accident as a teen. He explained details such as the activities that transpired before the accident. He talked about himself and his friend, along with their drinking prior to the accident. He also expressed the feelings that he encountered regarding the accident and the medical problems that were a consequence to the tragic night. Another example of his remembering the past was when he talked of his wife and sons. He discussed his alcoholism and the time lost between him and his family.  His noting negatives of addiction, such as his business not performing well because of his drinking are both examples of simply remembering past events. He did engage in a life review when he began discussing how these events and others had affected his overall life. This review of his life came in the form of his discussing how the accident had changed his life forever and the drinking that spiraled out of control, losing what was dear to him. He discussed how neither his wife, nor sons deserved the treatment that they had received as a result of time loss. This reflection and discussion led him to take a look at his overall life and draw conclusions which is the mere essence of the review and who he has become. He mentioned that he believes that he has learned a great deal and did so by attending AA to work toward a life of sobriety, therefore applying reasoning and drawing conclusions about his actions and life as a whole.

Considering Erik Erikson’s psychosocial stage, Mr. DA would be in the 8^th stage of Integrity vs. Despair. This stage is one that the individual reflects on their life, which Mr. DA, clearly is doing. He does have regrets and upon looking back at some of his actions, wishes there were things that he could change. While he did not appear bitter, it may be because he has engaged in bettering himself through addiction treatment and the attendance of AA. He is clearly proud of his accomplishments and overcoming addiction, as well as running a family business with his sons. According to Erikson, those that feel proud of their accomplishments will feel a sense of integrity, looking back with few regrets (Schultz & Schultz, 1987). Overall Mr. DA does appear fulfilled and proud of his accomplishments and believes that he has attained wisdom through the negatives that he has dealt with in his life. He did discuss his fear of a debilitating disease and becoming a burden to others.

This is consistent with the integrity that Mr. DA has achieved over his life time and does not want others to have to care for him physically. According to Santrock, during the 8^th stage of Erikson’s stages, integrity is experienced because a person has moved through the stages effectively (2006). This certainly does not mean that a person will not suffer loss or have any type of negative consequences, as that is just a normal part of life. Mr. DA does feel a sense of integrity because he explains that he has learned from his mistakes and made peace within himself for the wrong that he has done in his life.  Comparing the information from Mr. DA, his stage is consistent with Stage 8, as he is reflecting on his life, by discussing what has affected him and how, as well as has obtained wisdom through his life.

Reflections

Mr. DA was emotionally collective during the interview; however there were times that he reflected back and t stirred emotion. Hearing his value of his sons and the regret of losing his wife was very difficult. He has learned to cope with the negatives that have happened because of his alcoholism, but there are some regrets. During the interview it was also brought up about his father’s alcoholism and in some respects it seems as if this is blamed for his own shortcomings. The most significant point of the interview was by far the most difficult because it was when he began discussing his fear of having a debilitating disease and becoming a burden to others. This was difficult for both him and me as well, as it was apparent that he was fearful of losing his own freedom and abilities. Seeing the fear and regret that Mr. DA have was an emotional strain for me. While he has lived a full life and has a successful business, he is unable to reclaim some parts of his life that were taken because of his alcoholism and accident.

It was abundantly clear that he has come to the point that he knows that his days are numbered and that the regrets that he does have cannot be reconciled completely. That time during his life will never be regained or changed. This stirred an emotion in me that changed the way that I felt about my current life. The nursing field is more than dressing someone’s wounds or tending to their physical needs. There is an emotional side of nursing that must be considered. Health care providers should strive to assess a patient for both their medical needs, but also take into consideration their emotional needs. As a nurse, we provide care for the entire person, not just their physical aspect or ailments.

Mr. DA will leave his personal legacy through his sons and their family business. He has impacted many people’s lives and will be remembered as a good hard working man. It has touched me and I want to ensure that I live life correctly so that I do not have regrets through the aging process. During that stage in my life, I want to be able to reflect the good things and feel fulfilled, rather than worrying about things that I have done in the past. Overall there is a feeling of positive spirit with this individual and he has a great deal of wisdom to offer others. It is touching, even though difficult to listen to another person’s story of hardship, however it is enlightening that he has overcome many obstacles in his life time.

References

Santrock, J.(2006). Child Development. Dubuque, IA: Brown and Benchmark Publishers.

Schultz D.P. & Schultz S.E. (1987). A History ofModern Psychology. Orlando, FL: Harcourt-Brace