Psychodynamic models of grief were the first major theories of grief with Freud's paper Mourning and melancholia (1917/1957), shaping the foundational assumption of grief work involving the process of the bereaved exploring their distress and releasing their ties to the deceased (Hall, 2014; Neimeyer, 2014; Shapiro, 2007). That is, the bereaved cognitively confront the loss and confront the experience of bereavement (M. Stroebe & Schut, 1999). Furthermore, the grief work model proposed that the phase of 'moving on' and returning to a normal life was a pivotal process, where failing to do so would ensue the grief process becoming complicated and the development of psychopathology (Hall, 2014). However, subsequent research on the grief work model …show more content…
One influential theory was the Dual-Process Model of Grief (M. Stroebe & Schut, 1999) which moved away from a stage-like process to a cyclical pattern. The model proposes that the bereaved oscillate between dealing with the loss (loss-oriented coping) and managing daily living (restoration-oriented coping). The underlying principle being at times the bereaved will confront their loss and at other times will avoid them (M. Stroebe & Schut, 2010). A decade on from their original paper, M. Stroebe and Schut (2010) reported strengths of the dual-process model was that it accommodates gender differences in ways of grieving better than other models, as well being compatible with cultural differences. Furthermore, the dual-process model has received positive assessment from both researchers and clinicians in the years since the original publication. For example, the study by Ryckebosch-Dayez, Zech, Mac Cord, and Taverne (2016) found that all stressors could be classified in either loss-orientated or restoration-oriented coping thereby supporting the relevance of the dual-process model to describe coping by the bereaved. In addition, the dual-process model has been included in guidelines for mental health practitioners (M. Stroebe & Schut, 2016). However, as postulated by its developers, one major weakness of the model is that it failed to take into account 'overload', that the bereaved may feel unable to cope with the burdens of too much loss- or too much restoration-oriented stressors resulting in feeling distressed and worn out (M. Stroebe & Schut, 2016). Interestingly, this weakness was considered when Carr (2010) reflected that although the bereaved engage in both loss- and restoration-oriented coping, the ideal balance and timing had not been determined suggesting this could lead to overload on one side. This does not, however refute the original model, but extends
When it comes to required academic reading, I can be a rather fussy reviewer. After all, I don’t get to choose the books that I read – they’re required. However, Life after Loss is a purposeful and very well thought-out book. Author Bob Deits paints a picture of grief in a very honest, if not blunt, manner that seldom repeats itself. The anecdotes used (even if he used the annoying tactic of making them up) were engaging and inspiring. Each chapter was concise, uncluttered, and easy to read, and bullet points were used sparingly and to good effect. In this soup to nuts introduction to the grief process, the physical, emotional, and relationship elements of this difficult topic were presented in a strength based and compassionate way.
The characters in Alice Sebold’s The Lovely Bones are faced with the difficult task of overcoming the loss of Susie, their daughter and sister. Jack, Abigail, Buckley, and Lindsey each deal with the loss differently. However, it is Susie who has the most difficulty accepting the loss of her own life. Several psychologists separate the grieving process into two main categories: intuitive and instrumental grievers. Intuitive grievers communicate their emotional distress and “experience, express, and adapt to grief on a very affective level” (Doka, par. 27). Instrumental grievers focus their attention towards an activity, whether it is into work or into a hobby, usually relating to the loss (Doka par. 28). Although each character deals with their grief differently, there is one common denominator: the reaction of one affects all.
Alexander Hamilton was distraught over the death of his eldest son. Chernow describes Hamilton at his son’s funeral, needing to be held up by family and friends due to his extreme distress. Writing to many of his friends, Hamilton spoke of the despair he felt regarding the loss of his son. After Philip Hamilton’s death, Robert Troup mentioned “never did I see a man so completely overwhelmed with grief as Hamilton has been.” The death of Philip Hamilton was clearly a devastating event that brought grief to Alexander Hamilton’s life.
Grieving, this word could bring up a millions thoughts, and a whole bunch of memories for one person. Nobody likes to think about the end stage of life, or talking about the passing of a beloved family member, friend, or acquaintance. That this life that we breathe and live everyday will eventually come to an end.
or any issues with her urine production. Mrs. L stated that she does not urinate excessively and that she has never noticed an extreme change in color of her urine. A urinary tract infection or yeast infection is not something that Mrs. L said she has experienced in the past. Mrs. L stated that she is not currently sexually active because of her age and it is more difficult than it used to be. She has never had any sexually transmitted infections or other issues with her genital health. Mrs. L stated that she does have arthritis in her feet and hips. She has never had a muscle tear or tore a ligament or tendon. Mrs. L also said that she has never had any issues with her ACL. Her back surgeries are the only things Mrs. L stated that have been
In 1969 Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, a psychiatrist, published the Pioneering book On Death and Dying. The work acquainted the world with the grieving process, called the five stages of grief. Kübler-Ross gathered her research from studying individuals with terminal cancer (Johnson, 2007). The first stage of the grieving process is denial. In this stage the person refuses to believe that their loved one is deceased, a common thought during this period is, “This can’t be happening to me” (Johnson, 2007).The second stage of the grieving process is anger. In this level the person becomes frustrated with their circumstances, a customary complaint is “Why is this happening to me?” (Johnson, 2007). The third stage of the grieving process is bargaining. At this point the individual hopes that they can prevent their grief, this typically involves bartering with a higher power, and an ordinary observance during this time is “I will do anything to have them back” (Johnson, 2007). The fourth and most identifiable stage of grief is depression. This phase is habitually the lengthiest as...
The way one culture responds to the anger phase of grief for example; may not be the same way another culture responds. Research has shown that culture plays a role in the grieving process associated with death. When multiple cultures were tested to determine individual impact on the grieving process, Caitlin (1993) states, “In conclusion, the present study supports the decision that bereavement is significantly shaped by cultural context” (p. 183). The five stages of grief may be experienced by various cultures; Kuehn (2013) speaks of how some cultures use the five stages of grief as a structural guideline to help with the bereavement process by stating, “This was identified as a positive cultural coping mechanism in some instances because it gives the bereaved child or adult some stability and control during a time where they may feel very vulnerable and lost” (p. 37). As there are cultures that experience and impact each stage of grief individually, there are also cultures that may not experience a particular stage when grieving. A Tibetan monk for example, may not experience anger or allow for community depression to ensue after death. According to Workman-Newkirk (n.d.), “The reason for that is that as a monk one is single, a bachelor, and not allowed to marry. This is different from other cultures where family and friends are expected to participate in the grieving process. As seen, culture impacts whether or
Individually, everyone has their own methods of dealing with situations and emotions regardless of any positive or negative connotation affixed to them. One prime example of this comes with grief. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross in her 1969 book “On Death and Dying” suggests that there are five stages of mourning and grief that are universal and, at one point or another, experienced by people from all walks of life. These stages, in no particular order, are as follows: Denial and Isolation, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and finally Acceptance. Each individual person works through these stages in different orders for varying levels of time and intensity, but most if not all are necessary to “move on.” In order for positive change to occur following a loss, one must come to terms with not only the event but also themselves.
I have had the privilege to walk alongside many people on their grief journeys. Throughout my thirty years of assisting others, I have developed a model of grief processing I call the Berafian Model. This model allows me an opportunity to work with various ages as well as cultural backgrounds.
In Freud’s view, the difference between traumatic loss and the mourning is that a loss will not be a permanent trauma, but be considered as normal bereavement. Individuals effected by trauma, experience major mood of pain and display loss of interest in their surrounding (p. 46).
Upon receiving the news that a loved one had died, those left to mourn, called survivors, often find themselves entangled in a complex web of emotions and reactions. The death of a loved one can be a frightening, overwhelming, and painful experience and the physical, psychological, and social effects of loss are articulated through the practice of grief. Grief has been known to be experienced in five stages called the Five Stages of Grief where each phase of the grieving process will go from initial denial to the slow healing of acceptance. However, the devastating aftermath of a loss of a loved one, coupled with the suffering experienced through the five stages of grief can cause the survivor to commit suicide themselves.
2.6 Kubler-Ross Model (Kubler-Ross 1970) described five stages of grief in her book "On Death And Dying". These stages represent the normal range of feelings people experience when dealing with change in their own lives or in the workplace. Kubler et al, speaks about if there is a change in the norm there must be a loss at some level. Her model is used to understand the reactions of people to change. The five stages are denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance.
“I will not say: do not weep; for not all tears are an evil.” (J.R.R Tolkien, 1955). The manifestation of grief varies from person to person, culture to culture, even religion to religion. However, in each case a few constants remain such as the stages of grief. How does the type of death affect grieving? What about the age grieving person?
Everyone has or will experience a loss of a loved one sometime in their lives. It is all a part of the cycle of life and death. The ways each person copes with this loss may differ, but according to Elisabeth Kübler-Ross’s novel On Death and Dying, a person experiences several stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and, finally, acceptance. There is no set time for a person to go through each stage because everyone experiences and copes with grief differently. However, everyone goes through the same general feelings of grief and loss. There are also sections in Kahlil Gibran’s “The Prophet” that connect to the process of grieving: “On Pain,” “On Joy and Sorrow,” and “On Talking.” Kahlil Gibran’s “The Prophet” reflects on Kübler-Ross’s model of the different stages of grief and loss.
William Worden (1996) explains that grieving is the adaption to a loss. After researching Worden’s theory it is my understanding that there are four tasks a person must achieve in order for the process of mourning to be concluded and the “equilibrium to be re-established” (Worden,1996). In his theory, Worden clarifies that the tasks are in no particular order. Worden also recognizes that some individuals may have to revisit certain tasks over time, that grief is a personal experience, and that it is difficult to regulate a time frame for completing the grief tasks.