Chapter 10 - loss and grief Flashcards
definition of bereavement?
having something taken away from us
definition of grief?
the emotion that accompanies bereavement and is a unique experience for everyone
definition of mourning?
social face of grief and is influenced by other cultures
what factors can affect the manifestations of grief?
the circumstances surrounding the death
natures of the relationship with the deceased
family history of death/bereavement
previous losses
temperament/personality/mental health of the bereaved person
availability of support
social, cultural and religious framework
what are some physical manifestations of grief?
breathlessness heightened sensitivity to noise feeling "hollowness" lethargy and fatigue muscle ache loss of appetite
what are some emotional manifestations of grief?
shock and numbness sadness anxiety yearning for the person to "return" feelings of anger hopelessness
what are some cognitive manifestations of grief?
preoccupation with the deceased person
a sense of the presence of the person e.g. auditory or visual
loss of conc + short term memory
what are some behavioural manifestations of grief?
sleep disturbances
withdrawal from social situations, particularly those that hold reminders of the deceased
searching for reminders of the deceased, visiting familiar places, carrying objects that are reminders of the deceased
restlessness
what factors may make grief more difficult?
interpersonal - ambivalent or dependent relationship with the deceased
circumstantial - tragic sudden death
historical - previous unresolved loss, history of depression
personality - low level fo resilience and emotional tolerance
social structure - lack of support, perceived or otherwise
what are 5 theories of grief?
worden (1991) kubler-ross (1970) Stroebe M and Schut H (2010) Silverman Kass (1996) Bowlbys attachment theory
what is the Worden (1991) theory of grief?
Refers to “tasks of mourning” and suggests mourning is a process:
task 1 - to accept the reality of the loss
task 2 - to work through the pain of grief
task 3 - to adjust to an environment where the deceased is missing
task 4 - to emotionally relocate the deceased and move on with life
what is the kubler-ross(1970) theory of grief?
refers to the five stages of grief, and is one of the most famous models:
denial anger bargaining depression accceptance
what is the Strobe M and Schut H (2010) model of grief?
they propose a dynamic dual process model of coping with grief, and suggest that people oscillate between “loss oriented experiences” and “restoration oriented activity”
loss oriented experiences - crying, anger, focusing on the circumstances of the death and avoidance of the restoration oriented acitivties
restoration oriented activity - changes to lifestyle/routine/relationship as a result of the loss, this involves finding ways to adapt to the change
what is the Silverman and Klass (1996) model of grief
describes bereavement as a series of negotiations over time, and contend that grief is never fully resolved. The continuing bond model focuses on incorporating the memory of the deceased into their on-going lives and recognise their enduring influence.
what is Bolwbys attachment theory in relation to grief?
identifies 4 phases of mourning:
1) numbing
2) yearning and searching
3) disorganisation
4) reorganisation
what are some important ways to aid bereavement/grief in children/young people?
ensure routine is maintained
reassurance they are still cared for and loved despite what is going on around them
talking directly with the child
what are some ways of communicating with children/young people regarding death of their loved one?
- Use clear words “death” and “die” as other words may be misunderstood
- Avoid telling them everything in one sitting - give the opportunity to give small chunks of information for them to digest then come back with questions
- Honesty - don’t give false hope as this will affect the trust between children and adults
- Future - explain what will happen in the future
what might happen if a child is not told what is happening?
They will make sense of their own reality. This will rarely be correct, and may be even worse than what is actually happening.
Older children can feel angry that they have not been told and question why, or believe they are not important enough to be told things. They may resent the adult who did not tell them, and this can lead to lack of trust in the future.
what are some activities to prepare children for the death of someone significant to them?
memory boxes letters, cards, videos - for themselves for the future drawings worry dolls memory or feelings jars
what are some practical measures to help someone who has been bereaved?
take time to listen to them, talk to them or just be with them - walk and talk groups
food - take food round to them
support with paperwork
support with household tasks
ongoing support in the weeks to months after the death
bereavement counselling
