WEEK 2: Spiritual belief & bereavement

Question 1

What is grief?

Answer 1

Grief is a complex and multifaceted emotional response to loss, typically associated with the death of a loved one, but it can also be triggered by other significant life changes or losses.

Question 2

Give examples of grief.

Answer 2

Divorce
Death
Evacuation from work
Relationship breakup
Bankruptcy
Theft
Rape

Question 3

What is bereavement?

Answer 3

It encompasses the period of mourning and grief that follows the death of someone significant.

Question 4

What does how long bereavement last dependent on?

Answer 4

How close you were with an individual.

If the person’s death was expected

Question 5

Outline important facts or principles about of grief.

Answer 5

*Grief is a process
*The way out of grief is to go through it.
*It takes time to go through the grieving process and that time is highly individualized.
*Avoiding the process of grief can results in emotional and psychological issues.
*The grieving process is highly enhanced by support from others.

Question 6

What influences the grieving process?

Answer 6

*Cultural and religions
*Coping skills and personality
*Psychiatric history
*Availability of support systems
*Sense of a relationship

Question 7

Describe the 5 different types of grief.

Answer 7

*Normal grief
*Anticipated grief
*Complicated grief
*Absent grief
*Disenfranchised grief

1. Normal Grief:
   Normal grief refers to the expected and typical emotional and psychological responses to a loss. It involves a range of emotions, including sadness, anger, denial, and acceptance. This type of grief is a natural and adaptive process that varies widely among individuals. It does not necessarily follow a linear path and can involve different stages or phases.
2. Anticipated Grief:
   Anticipated grief occurs when individuals are aware of an impending loss, such as when a loved one has a terminal illness.

In this type of grief, individuals may begin to experience some aspects of the grieving process before the actual death occurs.

Anticipated grief provides an opportunity for individuals to prepare emotionally for the inevitable loss.

3. Complicated Grief:
   Complicated grief, also known as prolonged grief disorder, refers to a more prolonged and intense form of grief that persists over an extended period.

It is characterized by a persistent inability to adjust to the loss, intense emotional pain, and difficulties in daily functioning.

Complicated grief may require therapeutic intervention and support to help individuals navigate the grieving process.

4. Absent Grief:
   Absent grief, also known as inhibited grief or delayed grief, occurs when an individual does not express or experience the expected emotions associated with a loss.

This may be due to factors such as shock, denial, or an individual’s coping mechanisms. In some cases, the emotional response to the loss may surface at a later time.

5. Disenfranchised Grief:
   Disenfranchised grief refers to a type of grief that is not openly acknowledged, socially supported, or publicly mourned.

This can happen when the relationship with the deceased is not recognized or validated by society, such as in the case of certain non-traditional relationships (e.g., LGBTQ+ relationships), extramarital affairs, or losses that are not culturally acknowledged.

Disenfranchised grief may lead individuals to grieve in isolation.

Question 8

Outline the stages of grief.

Answer 8

Denial
Anger
Bargaining
Depression
Acceptance

1. Denial:
   In the denial stage, individuals may initially struggle to accept the reality of the loss.

They may express disbelief or shock, attempting to shield themselves from the overwhelming emotions associated with the loss.

2. Anger:
   As denial begins to fade, the pain of the loss becomes more apparent, leading to feelings of anger.

Individuals may direct their anger outward, blaming others or even the person who has died. Anger is a natural response to the perceived injustice of the loss.

3. Bargaining:
   In the bargaining stage, individuals may attempt to negotiate or make deals to reverse or alleviate the loss.

This can involve making promises to a higher power, seeking alternative solutions, or imagining scenarios where the loss could be undone.

4. Depression:
   As the reality of the loss sets in, individuals may experience deep sadness and a sense of helplessness.

Depression in the grief context is not necessarily a clinical diagnosis but rather a profound emotional response to the profound change brought about by the loss.

5. Acceptance:
   In the acceptance stage, individuals come to terms with the reality of the loss.

This doesn’t necessarily mean complete emotional resolution, but there is a growing acknowledgment and understanding of the changed circumstances.

Acceptance is not synonymous with “moving on” but rather finding a way to live with the loss.

Question 9

Outline the patient health provider relationship expected from doctors in times of grief.

Answer 9

1. Respect
2. Empathy
3. Unconditional positive regard.
4. Congruency
5. Respect:
   Definition: Recognizing the inherent worth and dignity of the patient as an individual.

Application: Doctors should treat grieving patients with respect, acknowledging their unique experiences, beliefs, and coping mechanisms. Respecting cultural and personal differences is essential in providing patient-centered care.

2. Empathy:
   Definition: Understanding and sharing the feelings of another person.

Application: Doctors should demonstrate empathy by actively listening to patients, validating their emotions, and expressing understanding.

This involves being attuned to the emotional needs of grieving individuals and providing genuine support.

3. Unconditional Positive Regard:
   Definition: Accepting and supporting patients without judgment, regardless of their circumstances or feelings.

Application: Doctors should maintain an attitude of unconditional positive regard, creating a safe and non-judgmental space for patients to express their emotions.

This encourages open communication and fosters trust between the patient and healthcare provider.

4. Congruency:
   Definition: Alignment between verbal and nonverbal communication, reflecting authenticity and transparency.

Application: Doctors should strive for congruency in their interactions, ensuring that their verbal and nonverbal cues align.

Being genuine and transparent about the challenges of grief, while maintaining professionalism, contributes to a trusting and supportive patient-doctor relationship.