BIOGRAPHICAL RECONSTRUCTION OF WWII EXPERIENCE - AN EXPLORATION OF GERMAN REMEMBRANCE

First results of the Eldermensch-Study(1) (N = 50) indicate that Germa n National Socialism and the historical events associated with World W ar II play a central role in the oral histories of older Germans. Six distinct patterns of late life cognitive appraisal of war-time experie nce: survival challenge (further divided into ''active'' and ''passive '' survivorship), passive benefit, opportunism, value verification, an d acceptance despite hardship are presented and discussed as structura l themes in the life story. These categories not only represent interi ndividual differences in the appraisal of war-time experience, but oft en reflect contrasting patterns of personal response to the social and political circumstances of this era of German history. In addition to cohort and gender differences, divergence in locus of control orienta tion as well as the role of social bonding and instrumental social sup port are discussed. Differences revealed in the biographical interview s are further reflected in the results of standardized questionnaires.