Life review refers to a process of evaluating one’s personal memories, whereas life‐story work describes interventions that use personal recollections of one’s life to enhance mental health and well‐being.
Although the recollection of personal memories is part of the process of life review, life review also includes the appraisal and evaluation as well as the attribution of meaning to memories. Similarly, life‐story work includes reminiscence interventions that aim to support people in recollecting and sharing personal memories as well as life‐review interventions that focus on a more systematic evaluation and integration of both positive and negative memories from all life periods.
For additional information on life review and life-story interventions:
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/9781118521373.wbeaa209
This assignment requires students to solicit the participation of a person who is 65-years or older for a life review interview. Use the following highlighted prompts and choose at least one other from the list to gather information:
• What was the most exciting part of your life?
• What was the most important historical event you witnessed or were part of?
• Do you remember reading something, seeing a movie, or meeting someone who influenced your life dramatically?
• If you could relive any part of your life, what would it be? Why?
• Are there any parts of your life that you regret?
• Are there any years you felt were wasted?
• Are you like the person you were 20 years ago? 10 years ago? Explain.
• If you had three wishes, what would they be?
• Who has been affected by your life? How?
• What are some of the things you have learned about life?
• Would you want your son or daughter (grandson or granddaughter) to live through your experiences? What parts would you want him or her to avoid?
Use that information in addition to what you learned from other sources (i.e. class discussions, required reading, etc.) to write a life review essay. The paper should be 5 to 7 pages, typed, double-spaced, and in 12-point Times New Roman font. The paper should have one-inch margins all-around, with the right-side margin not justified. A cover page is necessary with the students’ names included. A minimum of three citations are required and should be used according to the American Psychological Association (APA) standards. Direct quotations from written sources are not allowed; however, it is recommended to use some direct quotes from your conversation with the participant. Deviation from any of the above formatting requirements will result in the deduction of points.
