This accounts for the substantial insights from a life review interview with my 82-year-old grandmother, Naree. Naree is Cambodian but was married to a European businessman and moved to Bangkok, where they started a family. She has a great passion for painting and prefers to be interviewed in her painting room, which is quiet and comfortable. Naree is an easygoing lady with a unique level of empathy, strength, and intelligence, making her a very interesting person and a prudent choice for this interview. The interview is conducted on a Saturday afternoon as agreed. I am inspired to interview Naree because of her intriguing personality and honorable achievements. Learning about her life experiences and what has influenced her nature provides an opportunity to understand her more and gain wisdom from her.
This interview is intended for classwork, and Naree is even more excited to hear that and share her story with the school. The entire afternoon is dedicated to this interview to ensure adequate time for Naree to answer all the questions. I first request that Naree tell me about the most significant changes she has witnessed. In deep thought, Naree is staring at the blank white canvas on an easel in the middle of the room. She speaks so passionately, “I think one of the most significant life-changing experiences in my life was when I met my husband. After meeting Paul, I was more unified than I had ever been, almost as if a lost part of myself unknown to me was discovered on that day”. Naree smiles silently at her words.
There is a long pause, and Naree’s eyes appear dreamy; she looks up and shakes her head slightly with a wide smile plastered all over her face, which I find to be heart-warming. Naree passionately describes the day she met Paul in an art gallery and how she immediately knew he was the one for her. Naree says that getting married to Paul and starting a family together was monumental to her. I would like to see if she feels that is the only substantial change she has experienced. Naree let out a hysterical laugh, and I was also amused. “Of course not; I have other fond memories; it is just that my union with Paul is my dearest memory. My life has taught me that every single thing that happens is important. Not only the good things but also the challenges we experience. Sometimes, it feels better to contemplate on those that make us happy.” Naree speaks as though in deep thought.
There is a loud silence in the room, and Naree stares at me blankly; she seems suddenly sad, and I give her a slight encouraging smile to assure her that she can take all the time she needs to reflect on her emotions. Naree explains that she feels sad when talking about this because the other life-changing experience for her was losing her husband in the Khmer Rouge War in 1978. Naree’s talk about the Khmer regime corresponds to Duong’s theories in 2020. She proclaims that Paul’s demise was the most devastating moment in her life, and being left with ten children to take care of alone changed her. “Being a widow was the worst thing that happened in my life, and yet it changed my life for the good. I may have lost the love of my life, but caring for my children during such tough times was empowering and allowed me to grow as an individual,” says Naree. After a short pause, I ask Naree to tell me about the best memory of her youth. Naree’s mood has lit up, and she appears even more lively. Naree states that she won a medal in an athletics game as a teenager, which was the most memorable experience of her youth. She proudly declares that she is a great athlete. After winning a Phuket tour, she remembers swimming in the beautiful sea, enjoying beaches and nightlife, and snorkeling on the beach. “What tips would you give your younger self?” I inquire. Naree smiles warmly and slightly nods as she replies,” Well, I would tell myself to cherish every moment of life, but most of all, I want to be more open-minded, bold, and outgoing.” Naree’s words are contemplative and precious to hear.
“Naree, what were your biggest challenges in life, and how did you navigate those challenges?” I inquire. Naree is silent for a moment and proceeds to speak, “My most difficult time was losing my husband and the unending pain. I never thought we would ever stop grieving after he left us. I had been left all alone to take care of our ten children in a chaotic country. I realized I had to be strong for my children; we would make it. I felt so powerful at that moment and decided there would not be more pain. Developing a positive mindset and self-empowerment gave me the strength and determination to give my children meaningful lives. Love is important also. It was the love for my children and my late husband, knowing that I owed it to him to make our children happy and fulfill them, that kept me going through difficult times.”
I let Naree know I would like her to answer more questions, and she agreed. “So, would you say that historical events have had any impact on you, and if so, how did they impact you?” Naree smiles and answers, “Well, you know that I lost my dear husband in the war; that was very impactful in my life. The thought of the chaos and the pain that the war caused us still makes my blood run cold.” “What is your biggest accomplishment, and what values have guided you?” I inquire, breaking the awkward silence between us. Naree describes raising her children into the successful, respectable people they are today as her proudest achievement. There is so much joy in Naree’s voice as she proclaims this. “Love for family, resilience, and self-appreciation have been my guides in life,” she concludes.
Ultimately, I asked Naree about how her perspective on life has changed over the years and whether she regrets her life. “Life has taught me various things over the years; I have always embraced age and the wisdom and experiences that come with it. Life has taught me to be kind to people and that family is very important, so always show love to your family and friends because you do not have them forever. Being positive and having a resilient attitude is important in winning. I have no reason to regret how I have lived my life and will take those same steps repeatedly.” Naree replies. “That is very informative.” I exclaim, and she smiles, saying, “Thank you.” I continued, “So, how do you find joy and fulfillment in your current life? Naree expresses, “Watching my lovely family grow, painting, and knowing that Paul would be very proud of how our life turned out makes me happy and fulfilled.”
Bio-psychology contributes significantly to our understanding of human nature, cognition, and mental health. It is crucial to apply a biopsychological approach in the life review interview to identify the general wellness of the interviewee and determine their wholeness during the interview (Hamczyk et al., 2020). Frankly, Naree, my grandmother, has substantial vitality; she has had it her entire life, and it is not difficult to assess her behavior, thoughts, and emotions. I incorporate the theories and frameworks of psychology to comprehend Naree’s thoughts, emotions, and behavioral expressions throughout the interview while also discussing her physical health, genetic predispositions, and neurological conditions over the years. The biological perspective is significant in assessing how the said factors influence the interviewee’s life and life choices (Slavich, 2020). Naree is content and exhibits emotional wholeness, cognitive flexibility, adaptability, a strong sense of purpose, meaning, and belonging, as well as sound spiritual wellness. Integrating Naree’s physical and bio-psychological perspectives presents a full assessment of her well-being during the interview.
The life review interview process is greatly insightful and enlightening. The interview provides an honored opportunity to learn from older people’s life experiences, acquire practical knowledge on the concepts of life review, and conduct interviews in general (Duflos,2022). Life review also provides a greater understanding of the concept of life and how it is affected by different physical, psychological, emotional, and biological principles. There are many aspects through which life reviews allow people to learn about the concepts of narrative identity, reflection, and evaluation of the development of life, the creation of meaning and life purpose, resilience and wellness, as well as interpersonal relationship development (Li et al., 2020). The interview has brought my communication skills to a new level, and I will never forget the opportunity to see Naree from her personal perspective. Above all, she has passed on useful knowledge, including how to deal with problems, provide value, and make up my life’s meaning.
Writing this paper right after performing a life review interview made me realize the depth and complexity of human experiences. The creation of this report has made it possible for me to sum up Naree’s story in brief, with coherence and importance, covering the most significant concepts, ideas, and reflections. The process has enabled me to understand the value of active listening, empathy, and sensitivity in capturing the complexities of someone’s life narrative and the necessity of ethics and confidentiality when conducting research (Stevens & Taber, 2021). Furthermore, generating the study deepens my appreciation of the interconnectivity of several dimensions of well-being. It is valuable to apply physical health, psychological resilience, and social relationships perspectives of human existence (Solarino & Aguinis, 2021). Moreover, writing this paper has helped me reflect deeper upon Naree’s reflections and develop a profound understanding and appreciation of life. The writing approach has increased my awareness of the complexities of the human experience and the potential of narrative to generate empathy, understanding, and connection.
Reflecting upon the interview process with Naree, I realized it was so exciting, and the time I provided was insufficient to let her fully express her thoughts. I have learned to empathize deeply with others in their remorse (Small, 2022). Therefore, I would give Naree more time to talk about her life before asking more questions and allow her to reflect enough, especially on the emotional stories. I would also ensure that I provide a more comfortable and supportive environment for Naree, for instance, an art gallery to foster happy memories about one of her happiest moments in life and conduct the interview there. Ultimately, if I partake in the interview again, I would allocate more time to it so that the interviewee can get plenty of time to reflect on her past and express her thoughts without being limited.
My approach to each stage of life is driven by curiosity, resilience, and an eagerness to embark on the journey with an unprejudiced mind. The perspectives and feelings I have about life vary throughout my aging process. Young adulthood, especially, comes with so many varying lessons and experiences. Going through the years, there are times when I have accepted and even valued the perspective and knowledge that come with being older. Thinking back on former events and recollections can bring up feelings, such as thankfulness and happiness, as well as melancholy or desire for bygone eras. I know now that growing older will always be part of my life. Each year brings new opportunities for growth and learning and realizing all the potential that lies dormant within us. I observe myself becoming more articulate and no longer restricting myself due to the obstacles that arise.
Life reviewing usually tendstendsoffers positive reflection, involving many aspects such as introspection, self-appreciation, and personal development. It is a total enjoyment and satisfaction that gives an insight into our life course, and we tend to be fulfilled, reach our goals, and feel good about ourselves and approved by others. Talking to Naree, with whom I have an emotional bond, is similar to looking into a mirror. It is important to notice that through the narration, we can better comprehend her past experiences, appreciate her victories, and come out of difficulties with a godlike feeling of calmness. The report on the interview reinforces the significance of identity narratives, empathy, and relationship building. By valuing and maintaining personal tales about life, we honor the abundance of human uniqueness and the common universal themes that unite us. The life review interview report is a monument to the strength of introspection and resiliency.
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