class 7

Question 1

Define bereavement and what role does it play in the survivor’s life?

Answer 1

Bereavement is an objective event of loss that conveys a sense of deprivation. It disrupts the survivor’s life, and while it is considered a normal human experience, it can significantly impact the bereaved person’s daily existence

Question 2

What are the cognitive, physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of grief?

Answer 2

Cognitive aspects include confusion and disorganization, heightened emotional and perceptual sensitivity being preoccupied with thoughts of the person that died

physical aspects involve symptoms like shortness of breath, insomnia, or physical weakness.

emotional aspects encompass a range from talking about the person to complete withdrawal of the person alltogether. irritability hostility like outrage like lots of anger being either really withdrawn socially or very active socially. Relief and angusih can co-occur

spiritual aspects often involve a reexamination of beliefs.

All these aspects collectively contribute to what is considered normal grief.

Question 3

Discuss the occurrences of paranormal or psychic experiences related to grief. How common are these experiences, and what is the general perception of such phenomena?

Answer 3

Paranormal experiences, like sensing a presence, are not uncommon, with reported rates varying between 30% to 83%. Interestingly, most participants find these experiences comforting rather than frightening.

Question 4

what does mourning refer to, and how is it influenced by social and cultural norms? Provide examples of mourning behaviors.

Answer 4

Mourning is the process of integrating loss into one’s ongoing life. It is influenced by social and cultural norms, dictating what is considered typical mourning behavior. Examples include wearing black, flying flags at half-mast, cuttinglong hair short, abstaining from social occasions.

Question 5

What is the goal of social seclusion in mourning, and what are two functions of it, as stated in the information provided by DeSpelder & Strickland?

Answer 5

The goal might be to conform to social expectations, you shouldnt be joyous and sociable after a death. Give the person time to fully accept the reality of the situation.

one function is to allow survivors to grieve away from the world. Second function includes providing space for grief and preventing survivors from forgetting the person who died too soon

Question 6

Discuss the first model of mourning proposed by J.W. Worden. What are the tasks involved in this model, and why is accepting the reality of the loss considered a crucial step?

Answer 6

Worden’s model includes tasks such as accepting the reality of the loss, processing the pain of grief- both physical and emotional, adjusting to a world without the deceased, and finding an enduring connection - allowing self to love other, does not takeway love for the deceased.

Accepting the reality of the loss is crucial as it marks an acknowledgment and an initial step toward adaptation.

Question 7

Regarding the tasks of mourning according to the “Six R’s” model by Rando (1993). How does this model mesh with Worden’s tasks of mourning, and what similarities and differences can be observed?

Answer 7

Rando’s tasks involve recognizing the loss, reacting to the separation, recollecting the deceased, relinquishing old attachments, readjusting to a new world, and reinvesting emotional energy. Both models share similarities in recognizing the reality of loss and adjusting to a world without forgetting. Differences lie in the specifics of the tasks.

Question 8

Explore the Dual-Process Model of Coping with Grief by Stroebe & Schut. What are the two coping orientations, and how does oscillation between these orientations contribute to the grieving process?

Answer 8

The model involves loss-oriented coping, focusing on grief itself, and restoration-oriented coping, dealing with changes resulting from the loss. Oscillation between these orientations, known as oscillation, reflects the back-and-forth movement between confronting the loss and avoiding memories, providing a dynamic aspect to the grieving process.

Question 9

How does the Dual-Process Model address the emotional and practical aspects of grief, and what role does oscillation play in managing these aspects over time?

Answer 9

The loss-oriented coping addresses emotional aspects, involving grief itself, while restoration-oriented coping deals with practical adjustments required due to the loss. Oscillation allows individuals to balance the emotional processing of grief with the practical tasks associated with adapting to the new circumstances.

Question 10

Drawing on the provided information, what are some potential critiques or limitations of these models of mourning, and how might cultural variations influence the application of these models?

Answer 10

Potential critiques could include a lack of universality in these models and the challenge of fitting diverse cultural practices. Cultural variations might impact how individuals approach tasks of mourning, raising questions about the applicability of these models across different cultural contexts.

Question 11

Describe the three phases of grief according to DeSpelder & Strickland, and what characterizes each phase?

Answer 11

The initial phase involves shock, numbness, and disbelief, often immediately after death. The middle phase, marked by a decline in social support, is a painful time where bereaved individuals review relationships. The last phase brings a sense of resolution, though reminders can activate grieving, with a shrinking of sadness that may never fully disappear.

Question 12

What is emphasized regarding the duration of grief in the information provided? Explain the resurfacing of grief and how various events can provoke it.

Answer 12

The information emphasizes that grief has no absolute end point, with resurfacing possible due to different events. Both negative and positive events, such as break-ups, fights, or even a song, can provoke grief. Public deaths may create a ripple effect, and intense grief can onset years after a loss.

Question 13

What is anticipatory grief, and how does it differ from grief after an actual loss?

Answer 13

Anticipatory grief is a reaction to the awareness of an impending loss. It may or may not be easier to cope with than sudden death. Even when anticipated, grief is not necessarily diminished when the loss occurs.

Question 14

Define “ambiguous” losses and provide examples. How do these losses complicate the process of adjusting to death?

Answer 14

Ambiguous losses involve situations where the body is present, but the mind is absent, or vice versa. Examples include dementia, coma, kidnapping, or when the body is missing, but the person is alive in the minds of others. These losses make adjusting to death difficult, as the ambiguity challenges the grieving process.

Question 15

What is “unfinished business” in the context of grief? Provide examples of elements that may contribute to unfinished business.

Answer 15

Unfinished business refers to aspects in a relationship that feel incomplete or unresolved between the deceased and the bereaved. Examples include long-standing conflicts, unfulfilled plans, dreams, or deathbed promises. These elements make the grieving process more challenging.

Question 16

Discuss how sudden deaths, such as homicide, suicide, or accidents, impact survivors. What are their common reactions, and why do they seek details about the event?

Answer 16

Sudden deaths often lead survivors to perceive the world as dangerous, unsafe, or unfair. Survivors typically seek details to make sense of the loss. The sudden and unexpected nature of these deaths contributes to the need for information.

Question 17

Define disenfranchised grief and provide examples. How does the lack of social support or acknowledgment interfere with the grieving process?

Answer 17

Disenfranchised grief is connected with a loss that is not socially supported or acknowledged. Examples include chosen family/friends, affairs, secondary partners, pets, ex-spouses, abortions, and the death of unborn children. Lack of social recognition hinders the normal grieving process.

Question 18

How is the death of a child perceived according to DeSpelder & Strickland? What challenges do parents face in terms of societal acknowledgment of newborn or infant loss?

Answer 18

The death of a child is considered the most untimely and overwhelming, conflicting with the primary task of being a parent. Newborn or infant loss may not be acknowledged by others, leading bereaved parents to maintain an inner representation of their deceased child through memories and spiritual beliefs.

Question 19

Explain the different reproductive/childbearing losses discussed, including miscarriage, abortion, and stillbirth. How do parents cope with stillbirth, and what rituals are mentioned as potentially helpful?

Answer 19

Reproductive/childbearing losses include miscarriage before the twentieth week, grief with abortion, and stillbirth occurring between the twentieth week of gestation and birth. Parents are encouraged to see and hold their deceased infant, with rituals seen as an antidote to powerlessness. Naming the stillborn is a common practice.

Question 20

Define neonatal death and postneonatal death, highlighting their timeframes. Discuss the challenges parents may face when dealing with decisions about medical interventions for a newborn.

Answer 20

Neonatal death occurs within the first 28 days after birth, often due to life-threatening conditions. Postneonatal death occurs between 28 days and under one year. Parents may grapple with difficult decisions regarding medical interventions, particularly in cases of premature birth or congenital defects.

Question 21

What is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), and what factors contribute to its complexity for grieving families?

Answer 21

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the death of an apparently healthy infant usually before one year, with no known definitive cause. The unexpected nature, uncertain cause, young age of the child, and young age of parents contribute to the complexity of SIDS. Investigations, risk factors like low birth weight or maternal drug use, and the unexplained nature of the death make it challenging for grieving families.

Question 22

Discuss the mourning process for parents experiencing the death of an older child. How do accidents play a role, and what challenges arise in the case of a child with a terminal illness?

Answer 22

Mourning for the death of an older child is complex, especially with accidents being a major cause among children ages 5-24. For those with a terminally ill child, there’s a challenge to shift between hope for recovery and acceptance of the inevitable. Parents cope better if their identity is not solely based on being a parent and if they have other accomplishments, interests, and values.

Question 23

Explain the concept of “death out of sequence” concerning the death of an adult child. What unique challenges might older parents face, and why could there be a sense of competition within families?

Answer 23

“Death out of sequence” refers to the death of an adult child, which may be particularly challenging for older parents who may lose their caregiver. There could be a sense of competing for the role of most bereaved, especially when the deceased child has a spouse and children. Older adults who lost an adult child may lack social support, and there could be difficulties in support between family members facing different issues.

Question 24

What are some situations that may complicate the mourning process, according to Rando (1993)?

Answer 24

Sudden, unanticipated death (especially when traumatic), death from an overly lengthy illness, death of a child, the bereaved’s perception that death was preventable, relationships with the deceased characterized by anger, ambivalence, or dependence, prior or current mental health problems or unprocessed losses, and a perceived lack of social support.

Question 25

How does Therese Rando (1993) define complicated grief, and what distinguishes it from typical grief reactions?

Answer 25

Complicated grief, according to Rando, involves attempts to deny, repress, or avoid aspects of the loss and its pain. It also involves holding onto and avoiding relinquishing the lost loved one. While grief is a normal emotional reaction, complicated grief is overwhelming, boundless, and may not follow the typical fading pattern.

Question 26

What are some signs and symptoms of complicated grief, as outlined by the Mayo Clinic?

Answer 26

Signs and symptoms include the sense that complicated grief does not fade like uncomplicated grief, feeling life isn’t worth living without the deceased, intense sorrow, extreme focus on reminders or excessive avoidance, persistent longing for the deceased, problems accepting the death, numbness, bitterness, lack of trust, and an inability to enjoy life or recall positive experiences.

Question 27

How does Prolonged Grief Disorder (ICD-11) differ from uncomplicated grief? Provide details regarding the timeline, meaning of loss, separation distress, and other symptoms.

Answer 27

Prolonged Grief Disorder lasts more than 6 months and is marked by a threatening meaning of loss, separation distress, persistent longing, and difficulties accepting death. Uncomplicated grief, in contrast, has a non-threatening meaning, separation distress, but a resumption of maintaining health and daily routine.

Question 28

Comment on the criticisms and perspectives regarding the diagnosis of prolonged grief disorder.

Answer 28

The diagnosis of prolonged grief disorder, introduced in the DSM and ICD-11, has faced criticism for medicalizing a normal reaction to death. Some argue that it stigmatizes individuals for experiencing grief. However, others find relief in receiving the diagnosis, as it shifts self-blame into confidence that treatment might help.

Question 29

According to Boelen and Smid (2017), what is the most significant difference between complicated grief and uncomplicated grief? When should one suspect prolonged grief disorder?

Answer 29

The pervasive sense of meaninglessness about life without the deceased loved one is the biggest difference between complicated and uncomplicated grief. Prolonged grief disorder should be suspected when this profound sense of meaninglessness persists.

Question 30

What is the distinction between grief counseling and grief therapy?

Answer 30

Grief counseling aims to help individuals resolve normal or uncomplicated grief, and it can be provided to any person experiencing grief. On the other hand, grief therapy involves specialized therapeutic techniques to treat complicated grief reactions or Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD). Techniques may include cognitive behavioral strategies or emotion-focused therapy tailored to address avoidance and severe distress.

Question 31

Why might funerals and rituals be significant in coping with loss, according to DeSpelder & Strickland?

Answer 31

Funerals and rituals provide a framework for coping with loss. They offer a structured way for individuals to navigate the grieving process and can be crucial in both the initial and latest phases of grieving.

Question 32

In what ways can social support be beneficial during the grieving process?

Answer 32

Social support is critical in both the initial and latest phases of grieving. It provides an opportunity to share stories and encouragement. The bereaved may also need permission to take a break from grieving. Organized support groups can offer additional avenues for individuals to connect, share experiences, and find encouragement.

Question 33

How do DeSpelder & Strickland view bereavement as an opportunity for growth?

Answer 33

DeSpelder & Strickland suggest that suffering after bereavement can help people emerge stronger and wiser. Positive changes may include perceptions of personal strength, an enhanced sense of the value of life, and a deeper engagement in life.

Question 34

What is Posttraumatic Growth (PTG), and what are the five areas in which it occurs, according to Tedeschi & Calhoun (1996; 2004)?

Answer 34

Posttraumatic Growth (PTG) is psychological growth resulting from struggling with adversity. It occurs in five areas: personal strength, appreciation of life, closer social relationships, new possibilities (such as a new life path or career), and spiritual appreciation.