Lecture 5: The Social Context of Death and Dying Flashcards
What is the Void Hypothesis?
When a family member dies, a void is created in the dynamic that requires a new homeostasis (something is needed to somehow restore the family dynamic)
What are some important behaviours (6) that are seen when a family is adjusting to a loss?
INCREASED CLOSENESS: and other overprotective behaviors from fear of more loss
LACK OF INVOLVEMENT: again, due to fear of more loss
AVOIDING TALKING ABOUT THE LOSS
IDEALIZED IMAGE: of the deceased person
REPLACEMENT OF PERSON: via adoption, remarriage, etc.
Anniversary of the death, birthdays and other holidays can create a great deal of family stress
What factors can affect the level of detachment in a family?
More intense feelings of grief are associated with greater family detachment
Showing emotional support also has direct effects on grief and detachment
What is the relationship between the loss of a child and divorce rates?
While it is generally assumed that losing a child significantly increases divorce rates, studies show that many marriages actually survive and can even be strengthened after the loss of a child
a longitudinal study in New Zealand showed higher rates of divorce though
What is found in specifically dysfunctional families following a loss and how can dysfunction be mitigated?
pre-existing conflicts and disagreements can become more complicated and worsen following the loss of a family member
- poorer psychological well being
- poorer social functionality
- poorer functionality at work
- a more complicated grieving process
… are all observed in dysfunctional families following a loss
Cohesion, expression of affection and good communication can mitigate grief symptoms for families
Explain what Transgenerational Grief is and how it can happen
“Passing the emotional pain of loss onto the younger generation”
if family members are unable to mourn either separately or collectively, a family pattern develops which can be subject to transgenerational passage
VIA family secrets, avoidance of discussing the loss, or unresolved grief from earlier losses
What is the significance of involving children in the bereavement process?
involving children in moments of loss, or giving them books about death and loss can help to develop more positive outlooks on loss
Children are often excluded from discussions about death, visits to see a dying person and memorial services however and it can lead to avoidant responses to death, as well as anger and fear
What is the relationship between grief and social cohesion?
it is argued that grief is a biological reaction to loss, with the evolutionary function to ensure group survival
- to note: a lot of responses to death are for the purpose of preventing further losses
It is further argued that grief is one of the strongest forces for social cohesion
it is commonly reported that death can bring family closer, improve communication and strengthen relationships with friends and family
What is the importance of good support and community following a loss?
Social support is one of the strongest predictors of bereavement outcomes
it is the responsibility of the larger community to provide support for the bereaved in the grieving process in ways such as helping them remember the deceased and supporting memorial services
big issue, the general public is not universally prepared or willing to provide support
initiatives are needed to strengthen the communities ability to provide support
Identify and explain 2 legal options in death:
Living wills/advanced directives:
- legal documents that allow competent individuals to indicate their preferences for care before it is needed
Power of Attorney:
- Allows a named person to make decisions regarding one’s healthcare, housing and personal life, should they become mentally unable to in the future (POA ceases at death)
What is the concept of middle knowledge?
people who are facing death will simultaneously deny death and proceed with making plans for their own death
- in the form of wills, burial plots, etc.
denial may prevent us from feeling overwhelmed with the reality of death, keeping us in a good enough headspace to be able to prepare for it
What are the psychological effects of the legal options for death? (3)
- enhanced perceived control
- Autonomy/informed consent
- Stability for family members
What is the significance of the “Executor of the Will”? What are some challenges they may face?
The E.O.W. is the only person allowed to make decisions after death
conflicts with co-executors and heirs, lost time and other personal costs lead to this being an extremely stressful position to be in
What is the difference between a funeral service and a memorial service? what is the significance of these services?
Main difference is that the body is present in a funeral service and not in a memorial service.
These services assist the bereaved person with memorializing/honoring the deceased, while the body is prepared for the next steps (cremation, burial)
What do funeral services aim to provide and how do they accomplish this? What is the concept that marks these events as transitionary?
They are symbolic enactments that provide meaningful and affirming experiences for the bereaved. The goal is to assist the bereaved in their grieving process.
Services are a type of a “Rite of Passage”
- a public event that marks some major life transition for a person
- are necessary for the bereaved to recognize the deceased
