Bereavement from a spiritual and cultural lens

Question 1

What are five benefits of bereavement rituals?

Answer 1

Increases a sense of control over events and feelings
rituals reach where words cannot
provides an opportunity to remember, honor, and stay connected to the person or life event
gives structure to grief
uses different senses for expression
increases community and belongingness
marks anniversaries and other special dates
helps externalize deep emotions
promotes catharsis

Question 2

Effective rituals are_

Answer 2

Invited, not imposed
Planned, implemented, and processed
Age and developmentally appropriate
Meaningful to the participants
Engage the bereaved in symbolic expression
craft a story

Question 3

Rituals of Continuity

Answer 3

Honors the continuing bond

Question 4

Rituals of Transition

Answer 4

Changes in the grief process

Question 5

Rituals of reconciliation

Answer 5

Takes care of “unfinished business”

Question 6

Rituals of affirmation

Answer 6

Communication of thanks and support

Question 7

Rituals of intensification

Answer 7

Emphasizes connections with others in a group who have experienced the same issue.

Question 8

The best way to break down cultural barriers is to__

Answer 8

Be sensitive to the various components that constitute any culture.

Question 9

What are the components that constitute a culture?

Answer 9

Language
traditions
nutrition
religion
beliefs in healers and folk medicine
social and gender roles
responses to pain

Question 10

What are the five culturally competent practices?

Answer 10

1. Self-awareness
2. Awareness, understanding, and appreciation of difference
3. Dynamics of difference
4. Knowledge of client’s culture
5. Adaptation of skills

Question 11

What does it mean to practice self-awareness?

Answer 11

• Recognize the influence of your own culture when dealing with others
• Acknowledge issues of power and control
• Ongoing examination of oneself

Question 12

What does it mean to practice Awareness, understanding, and appreciation of difference?

Answer 12

• Acknowledge differences
• Gain awareness of differences
• Identify common needs and how they will be met

Question 13

How do you practice dynamics of difference?

Answer 13

• Understand that misjudged reactions are often based on past experience and learned behavior
• Understand that a client’s history has an influence on their view of the world.
• Understand Interaction is “two way” (client and provider)

Question 14

How do you practice knowledge of the client’s culture?

Answer 14

• Understand behavior from a cultural stand point
• Assess what knowledge may be helpful in assisting the client with the helping process
• Know who to ask for information
• Locate resources
• If unsure, just ask!

Question 15

How do you practice adaptation to skills?

Answer 15

• Make adaptions in your interventions appropriate for the client’s culture.
• Improve your practice skills by having a broader experience
• Understand that cultural competence improves with time and experience.

Question 16

What are the issues of spirituality/

Answer 16

-Respecting and honoring all religious beliefs
- keep your own beliefs in check
- Assess the client’s spiritual needs
- Refer the client for spiritual counseling, if needed.