Discusses fieldwork experience in human development/gerontology that focuses on tapping reflections of individuals through interrelative process of interviewing. Presents phenomenological data gathering technique and explores method of life review and reminiscence collection taught to 200 college students. Describes protocol, discusses samples of…

Professionals (N=228) were interviewed about their case experiences with neglect and abuse of the elderly. It was suggested that environmental contexts and situational problems trigger such behavior, and that the behavior is primarily based on flawed development of the perpetrator and disordered family relationships. (Author)