Paradox for Life Review explains how older adults' levels of self-esteem become the lens through which they review their reminiscences. It shows how three bases for self-esteem—the epigenetic self, the family scripted self, and the metaphysical self—affect the accuracy of this lens. It then describes how life review groups have used paradoxes drawn from poetry, drama, word play, intergenerational family dynamics, Eastern and Western mystical traditions, and personal life experiences to enable members to discover new lenses for accepting their history with compassion and wisdom. The book uses the reminiscences of forty-two older adults to illustrate the positive influence of these paradoxes in integrating their personal history with a sense of purpose for their future. Contents: Acknowledgments Introduction Chapter 1: Reminiscences and Life Review Chapter 2: The Epigenetic Self Chapter 3: The Family Scripted Self Chapter 4: The Metaphysical Self Chapter 5: Self-Esteem as Lens for Life Review Chapter 6: Shame as Lens for Life Review Chapter 7: Paradoxes Protecting Self-Esteem Chapter 8: Poetic Paradox Chapter 9: Word Play as Paradox Chapter 10: Intergenerational Paradox Chapter 11: The Paradox of Metaphysical Self References Index About the Author About the Author: Dr. James J. Magee is professor emeritus of counseling and gerontology at The College of New Rochelle where he has taught for 30 years. He is the author of A Professional’s Guide to Older Adults’ Life Review: Releasing the Peace Within and 40 articles and chapters on gerontological topics. |