Young people’s perception of the influence of the past on their present lives

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate young people’s perception of the influence of the past on their present life, to gain a deeper understanding of this relatively unexplored subject. Literature reviewed consisted of the effect of the past from a theoretical and empirical standpoint, as well as a consideration of the various factors relevant to this subject, namely perception, memory, attitudes, beliefs and intentions. Four semi-structured interviews were conducted, the participants being two males and two females aged 18-23. Data collected was analysed through thematic analysis, and eleven themes were presented and discussed: Origin of the influence, Transformation into the influence, Persistence of the influence, Ending or altering the influence, The individual, The situation, Stage of life, Other people, Role of new experiences, Role of knowledge, and Sowing the seeds. From the analysis, one can see people’s perceptions of the past’s influence, as well as the various factors interacting with this influence. It is evident that while the influence of the past is acknowledged, various aspects of it remain unknown.