Chapter 11 - Terminal Illness and Bereavement

Question 0

Differences in life expectancy

Answer 0

Women live longer than men, white people live longer than people of color

Question 1

Terror management theory

Answer 1

Thinking about death decreases self esteem and leads to derogating others who challenge values, overestimating % who share same values, distancing humans from animals, increased belief in God/afterlife, ultimately more positive emotions

Question 2

Kubler-Ross stages of death and dying

Answer 2

1) denial – shock, the doctor is wrong
2) anger – toward God, doctors, family
3) bargaining – engage in good behavior or give up bad behavior
4) depression – leads to worsening of symptoms, sadness about past and future losses, loss of physical functions, independence, respect of others
5) acceptance – tired, peaceful calm

Question 3

Criticisms of Kubler-Ross theory

Answer 3

Patients may skip or repeat stages, doesn’t address anxiety

Question 4

Psilocybin

Answer 4

Increased well being, satisfaction with life, more positive attitudes, effects similar to meditation, reduced depression, negative mood, anxiety, deceased activity in medial prefrontal cortex —- hallucinogen

Question 5

Religion

Answer 5

If blaming religion, detrimental. If religion is comforting, helpful.

Question 6

Euthanasia/assisted suicide

Answer 6

Physician provides lethal dose of medication. Those in favor – end severe pain. Those against – violates Hippocratic oath, potential for misuse, desire driven by depression, severe pain.

Question 7

Lingering trajectory deaths

Answer 7

Easier for survivors to cope with because they allow people to prepare themselves for the loss of their loved ones – lower levels of grief

Question 8

Quick trajectory deaths

Answer 8

Are very hard on survivors. Lower quality of life, complicated grief symptoms. No arrangements for death, lack of closure, guilt about unresolved conflicts

Question 9

Resilience following bereavement

Answer 9

Positive reappraisal, revised goals, expressing positive affect

Question 10

Chronic grief

Answer 10

Rumination – intrusive thoughts about death, focus on regrets, more stress/depression 12 months after loss
Negative interpretation of event

Question 11

Benefits of hospice care

Answer 11

Provide a sense of comfort for patients and their families, lead to longer survival