Theory Informed Interview_

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School

University of Kentucky *

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422

Subject

Psychology

Date

Dec 6, 2023

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docx

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4

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1 Theory-Informed Interview Dave is a 63-year-old male who is a United States Navy veteran, husband to his wife of 42 years, father of two children, and currently works as a Resource Advisor within the government. He was happy to talk about his past experiences and allowed different theories to be made to his life experiences. The interview was done in person with twelve questions spanning three theories. The theories that were chosen for this interview came from Erik Erikson's Psychosocial Development theory, the Socioeconomic Status (SES) and Life Course Theory, and lastly, the Social Support and Social Exchange Theory. The questions from the Psychosocial development were: Identity vs. Role Confusion (Erikson): Can you share some significant life experiences or events that contributed to your sense of identity and self- concept during your life? Generativity vs. Stagnation (Erikson): How have your roles as a parent, grandparent, or mentor influenced your sense of purpose and fulfillment as you have grown older? Integrity vs. Despair (Erikson): Looking back on your life, what lessons or wisdom have you gained that you want to pass on to future generations? Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt (Erikson): Reflecting on your early childhood experiences, can you recall moments when you developed a sense of independence and autonomy, and how did these experiences shape your self-esteem? From the SES and Life Course Theory: Socioeconomic Status: How have your socioeconomic status and upbringing influenced your life choices and opportunities, especially as you have aged? Life Course Transitions: Can you describe any significant life transitions you have experienced in your 63 years, and how did these transitions impact your life journey? Cumulative Advantage and Disadvantage: How have early advantages or disadvantages in your life continued to shape your experiences and opportunities as you have aged? Changing Economic Circumstances: Have you experienced fluctuations in your socioeconomic status throughout your life, and how did these changes
2 affect your overall well-being, goals, and sense of self? And lastly, from Social Support and Social Exchange Theory: Social Networks: How have your social relationships and networks evolved, and what role do they play in your life? Reciprocity in Relationships: Can you share examples of instances where you have provided support to others or others have supported you, and how has this exchange impacted your sense of community and well-being? Social Isolation: Have there been periods in your life when you have felt socially isolated or disconnected? How did you cope with such experiences, and what did you learn from them? Role of Supportive Communities: Can you describe a specific community or group that has provided significant support, and how has this community contributed to your overall sense of belonging and happiness? The interviewee had a relatively uneventful upbringing, with many of the habits learned in early life serving him well. The different connections that he had to the theories show that with a strong upbringing and strong sense of self, Dave had some later lessons that shifted his view significantly, such as having children and camaraderie in the Navy. From Erikson's theory, the interviewee shared that his sense of identity and self-concept was significantly influenced by his military service, where he developed a strong sense of discipline, responsibility, and duty. He described his role as a parent and husband as a source of purpose and fulfillment, emphasizing the importance of family and providing for his loved ones. When reflecting on his life, he conveyed a desire to pass on lessons about resilience, adaptability, and the value of hard work to his children and future generations. Recalling his early childhood experiences, he discussed moments when he developed a sense of autonomy, particularly during his teenage years, which played a crucial role in shaping his self-esteem and independence. The SES theory had the interviewee highlight how his socioeconomic status and upbringing influenced his life choices, especially his decision to pursue a career in the Navy, which provided opportunities for personal and financial growth. He described
3 significant life transitions, such as joining the Navy, transitioning to civilian life, and starting a family, which had a profound impact on his life journey. The concept of cumulative advantage and disadvantage was evident when he discussed how his military service opened doors to various career opportunities and personal growth. He mentioned experiencing fluctuations in his socioeconomic status due to changes in employment, and he discussed how these fluctuations affected his overall well-being, goals, and sense of self. During the Social Exchange Theory, the interviewee talked about the evolution of his social networks, emphasizing the importance of close relationships, both within the military community and his civilian life, in providing emotional support and companionship. He shared examples of reciprocity in relationships, particularly during his military service, where bonds formed through shared experiences led to strong camaraderie and support. There were no experiences of prolonged social isolation discussed in the interview, indicating a consistently strong connection to supportive social networks. The interviewee described the role of the military community in providing significant support. The selection of Erik Erikson's Psychosocial Development Theory, Socioeconomic Status and Life Course Theory, and Social Support and Social Exchange Theory was apt in understanding the interviewee's life journey. These theories offered a structured framework to guide the interview, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of his experiences and the interplay of different factors in his life. Engaging in theory-mindedness was instrumental in conducting the interview effectively. The theories guided the development of thoughtful questions, leading to rich insights into the interviewee's life. By exploring his identity formation, life transitions, and social support networks, a deeper understanding was provided of how these factors shaped his experiences. If there were to be an interview again, a further exploration of how the interviewee's military service, a significant part of his life, intersects with the theories. Also, delve into the specific wisdom and lessons he would like to pass on to
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4 future generations, as this could provide valuable insights into his values and beliefs. Additionally, allowing more time for the interview would enable a deeper exploration of his life experiences and their implications for the chosen theories.