An examination of the factors affecting the psychological development of parentally bereaved children and the improvement that can be made by preventive intervention groups.
Abstract This paper penetrates into emotional side of parentally bereaved children, how the tragedies have been affecting them socially, and draws a connection between psychopathology in childhood bereavement and parental death. The functions of preventive intervention groups and the Family Bereavement Program (FBP) are described and evaluated in terms of their efficacy in reducing the children's risk of disturbance. The feelings and behavior of bereaved children can be misinterpreted, and there is possible over-representation in psychopathology of childhood bereavement. Other factors that affect the mental health of bereaved children are also discussed. Furthermore, it gives details on the actions taken by the intervention groups in hopes to modify these factors in order to improve the bereavement process.
From the Paper "This Child Bereavement Study focuses on the effects of parental death have on dependent children, and to "gain a clearer picture of the risk for seriously disturbed behaviour in them" . This study was performed as 70 families with 125 bereaved children were chosen at the Greater Boston area, with varying family characteristics (e.g. gender and age of surviving parent, family income, type of death etc.). Parentally bereaved children's responses were then compared with the non-bereaved controls in this sample. Using a semi-structured interview, the surviving parents and their children were assessed at: 4 months after the death, one year after the death and the second year after the death. A child was randomly selected from each family and is paired with a non-bereaved child who matched in age, gender, school grade and socioeconomic background. The control children were interviewed at the same time as the bereaved.
The study used three instruments to measure the children's behaviour and emotion: The Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL), Perceived Competence Scale for Children, and Locus of Control Scale for Children. Assessment at the first year after the death did not reveal any significant differences between the bereaved and control children. However, by two years, bereaved children scored higher on social withdrawal, anxiety and depression. The data was also examined by age-gender groupings. Adolescent boys and pre-adolescent girls showed no difference from controls at one year, but significant changes appeared in two years. Adolescent girls and pre-adolescent boys did not show differences between the controls at either the first or second year."
Abstract This paper presents an in-depth literature survey that examines the history and protocol of military benefits, the history of military funeral legislation, and military funeral leave and protocol as defined by federal law. The paper scrutinizes available books, articles, and Internet materials on caring leadership, in general, and on caring leadership as it relates to funeral leave benefits and the caring management of grieving employees. The paper also reviews available literature on caring leadership as a value, qualitatively and in terms of potential financial benefit to a company or organization. The paper presents an analysis and comparison of funeral leave benefits offered by a variety of public organizations and private companies to their employees, comparing them with each other and with those of U.S. military personnel.
Outline
Introduction
Federal Legislation on Military and Government Funerals, Funeral Leave, and Bereavement Leave
Literature on Caring Leadership
Literature on Grief Management in the Workplace
Funeral and Bereavement Leave Policies of Specific Organizations
Potential Advantages and Drawbacks of Incorporating Official Bereavement Processes and Expanded Funeral Benefits for United States Government Employees Other than Military Personnel
Conclusion
From the Paper "Other documents on military funerals, history, protocol, employee leave, and entitlements surveyed for the study included: Military funerals - A brief history (2005); History of Taps (2005); Funeral leave (2005); Military funeral support (2004); Funeral honors ceremony (2005); Banusiewics (2004), and Military funerals (2002). All of these sources contained also information on military funeral protocol, including the facts that: the military has a litany of regulations regarding its funeral procedures. When military personnel pass, there are federal laws and formal procedures in place to acknowledge them, based on Title 38 of the United States Code, Section 112. Military funeral protocols spelled out by federal law include: (1) At least two military personnel being sent to the funeral; (2) Taps being played by a bugler, if available, and if not, a recording of Taps being played; (3) a 21-gun salute being given to honor a fallen soldier, under particular circumstances;(4) an American flag being first folded thirteen (13) times by the military detail conducting the ceremony, and the folded flag then being given, by the military detail leader, to the next-of kin; (4) special words of condolence being spoken, by the detail leader, to the next-of-kin; and (5) a Certificate of Honor, signed by the current President of the United States, being made available, upon request, to the next of kin."
Abstract This paper explores the issue of childhood bereavement. The paper describes childhood bereavement and relates to the debate about a child's ability to mourn. The paper also discusses how children mourn and emphasizes the stress experienced by the bereaved child. The paper concludes with a review of complicated, uncomplicated and pathological mourning.
Abstract An essay on perinatal bereavement. A reflective analysis paper, the essay begins with a personal observation of the silence and isolation in which a grieving couple took their leave of a maternity ward. It goes on to consider the importance of a nurse's roles in undertaking bereavement interventions and the ways in which this can be effected.
Abstract This paper defines bereavement and complicated bereavement and discusses how loss(es) from a person's early years impacts the grieving process of a death in the later years. The author describes the inability to adjust, disruption of ability of mourner to carry on daily activities, poor functioning, inability to take part in the grieving process, possible physical ailments and repression. The paper relates methods of intervention and treatment.
From the Paper "Aiken states that bereavement literally means to be deprived by death. He goes on to note that grief consists of the emotional reactions that accompany loss in general and bereavement in particular."
Abstract This paper begins with a definition of bereavement and grief. Loss of a spouse is rated as the most stressful life event across all ages and cultural backgrounds. The paper continues to explore the myriad of literature on the topic of dealing with grief in late adulthood. In conclusion, it explores the diagnosis, symptoms and treatment of grief.
From the Paper "At least 10 -20 percent of widows and widowers develop clinically significant depression during the first year of bereavement, and without treatment, such depressions tend to persist, become chronic and lead to further disability and impairments (Older pp). Bereavement-associated depression often coexists with another type of emotional distress, which has been termed traumatic grief, the symptoms of which, although not formalized as a mental disorder in DSM-IV, appear to be a mixture of symptoms of both pathological grief and post-traumatic stress disorder (Older pp). Such symptoms are extremely disabling, associated with functional and health impairment and with persistent suicidal thoughts, and may well respond to pharmacotherapy (Older pp)."
Abstract This paper examines the assessment of people suffering from bereavement and stress and the reality of persons who cannot 'cope'. After a review of the literature surrounding this subject, the author describes a research project to be carried out with informal written testimony from a random sample of 40 volunteer informants.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Review of Literature
Proposed Research Project
Interpreting Results
Last Remarks
From the Paper "Bereavement Stress and Coping are familiar terms in English-speaking
countries as need modification to reveal the severity of symptoms and
the reality of persons who cannot 'cope'. Stage theories distort, as can
the under-estimation of anxiety, depression or more alarming symptoms
bereaved persons experience well beyond the acute or first year aftermath of loss. One needs awareness of postmodern societies a long average lifespan but also youth, midlife and serial bereavement as common phenomena. Inductive research, as in this paper's proposed project, should harvest the testimony of persons to survive bereavement, as other research must help human services professionals to become oriented to what bereavement stress can really entail, the nature of loss in the early 21st century.
Abstract This paper presents the problem that organized bereavement acknowledgement, like that automatically given United States military personnel and their families upon the death of a loved one, is currently not offered, in any equivalent way, to federal employees outside the military, including those federal workers who, like military personnel, regularly place their lives in danger in service to the United States. The paper contends that the most tragic time in any person's life comes with the loss of a loved one, and therefore, federal agencies and their leaders should create the bereavement policies and accommodations that are currently lacking for non-military federal personnel. The paper explains that such future policies would offer comfort and support to bereaved personnel and their families in their time of greatest loss and sadness by adopting specific bereavement policies and procedures equivalent to those of the military and, in their own way, appropriate to the particular government agency or entity.
From the Paper "The military alone has a host of regulations regarding its funeral procedures. When military personnel pass, there are both federal laws and formal procedures in place to acknowledge their loss and their contributions (38 U.S.C. 112). Two military officers are sent to the funeral; taps is played, often a 21-gun salute is given; a flag is given to the closest survivor; and even a certificate, signed by the President, is given to the family. Conversely, however, the federal government as a whole currently has no laws or policies whatsoever in place to acknowledge a similar passing of a federal employee. The federal government does authorize use of sick leave to attend a family member's funeral, and procedures are delineated for funerals of law enforcement officers, relatives in the armed services, and veterans, although not for any other federal employees."
This paper analyzes the concept of grief and its importance to the nursing profession with emphasis on the most common associations with the concept: The loss of a loved one, a close friend or a family member.
2,250 words (approx. 9 pages), 16 sources, 2002, $ 69.95
Abstract The paper discusses that while it is true that grief is a universal experience, the problem is that modern society has largely separated the concept of grief from the everyday experience of life. The paper points out that profound loss also has profound and varied effects upon the bereaved individual. The author, after reviewing many definitions and case studies, establishes a definition for grief: Grief is an emotion experienced during the event of bereavement; mourning is the action through which grief is expressed.
Table of Contents
Aims
Grief: Definitions and Attributes
Case Studies
Model Case: My Brother
Borderline Case: Deciding to Die
Related Case: The Decision to Change
Contrary Case: The Decision to Maintain the Status Quo
Conclusions from Case Studies
Grief: A Definition
From the Paper "The aim of this concept analysis is therefore to understand grief from a number of viewpoints. This will be done by means of an analysis of grief through the stages of the process a bereaved person is expected to go through. These stages include physical and psychological processes. This is followed by a consideration of the social and religious support a bereaved person needs to work through the grieving process in a healthy way. Furthermore, case studies will be considered in terms of the established theories. Finally, conclusions are drawn in terms of the nursing profession and caring for a person going through the process of bereavement."
Abstract This paper discusses the distinguishing types of bereavement: complicated and uncomplicated and the various responses in both cases. A classification of the forms of grief is provided along with an extensive analysis of each form. The mourning process is also dissected into several categories and leads into the presentation of the adjustment to the aftermath. The key points from above highlight how the response to bereavement is a physical, emotional, cognitive, and behavioural experience.
From the Paper "Bereavement is always a painful experience, but some people return to their normal life rapidly, experiencing uncomplicated bereavement, while others never go back to their previous way of life before their loss. Death is a powerful cause of stress; even those going through uncomplicated bereavement are likely to experience many symptoms of anxiety and depression and undergo physiological changes which reduce the body's ability to fight off disease (Phillips, 1994). Popular options suggest that the progression through bereavement is often steady and orderly, yet people grieve in highly individualized ways. Depending on prior losses and the severity of the current loss, symptoms of anxiety may be most evident and can mix or overshadow symptoms of depression (Rogoff, 1989)."
Abstract The paper discusses how the nurse's ability to provide effective and appropriate support to family members in their grief is greatly dependent on the nurse's understanding of the processes of grief and bereavement. The paper defines grief, the tasks of grief and the social and cultural considerations inherent in grief. The paper points out that bereavement practices vary greatly depending on one's cultural background. The paper concludes that allowing for cultural and family traditions is the key in assisting the family members to effectively cope with grief following the death of a loved one. The paper also notes that the nurse should pay close attention to the family members to identify whether their grieving is normal or if the grieving has taken a unhealthy or self-destructive course.
Outline:
Objective
Introduction
Grief Defined
Types of Grief Identified
Social and Cultural Considerations of Grief
Summary and Conclusion
From the Paper "The experience of grief is one that is shared across all cultures and as well grief is universal among human beings in all age groups and in all cultures and is "an adaptational response to different kinds of acute life crises..." (Cowles and Rodgers, 1991a; 1991b; Curry and Stone, 1992; Jacob, 1993; as cited by Kaunonen, 2000) In the experiential theory of grief, six dimensions of grief have been defined. (Hogan et al, 1996; Hogan, 1988, 1999b) The nurse's ability to provide effective and appropriate support to family members in their grief is greatly dependent upon the understanding the nurse possesses of the process of grief and bereavement."
Abstract This paper reviews the writer's personal philosophy of care and individual ethics in a case scenario of a patient (referred to as Mr. Smith) with advanced Alzheimer's and dementia. The writer discusses how the family often appeared indifferent and unconcerned with their father's condition especially at his untimely demise, which proved difficult for the nursing staff as they cared profoundly for the patient. The writer explores the specific ethical principles involved, including autonomy, justice, beneficence, and nonmaleficence and links the clinical situation to a specific theory of grief, loss and bereavement. The writer suggests alternative actions which could have led to a more satisfying and ethical outcome in the case of Mr. Smith, his family and the nurses concerned.
Outline:
Introduction
My Philosophy of Care in my Nursing Practice
Autonomy, Justice, Beneficence and Nonmaleficence
Related Theory of Grief, Loss, and Bereavement Suggested Alternative Solutions
Conclusion
From the Paper "Ethics in healthcare is fundamental in the day-to-day care provided to patients' particularly in nursing and certainly with end of life issues. Essentially, the code of ethics for registered nurses is a declaration of commitment to those we serve, it is a guideline that sets out behaviors expected of us, and it advocates for quality care and serves as a self-reflection tool (Canadian Nurses Association, 1998). The codes of ethics and the standards of care made available by our governing body ensure that the best nursing practices will be provided to our patients (Aiken, 2005). Part of our nursing practice is to assist in life-threatening situations. Coping with death is challenging for nurses since the ability to cope with one's own grief or beliefs highly depends on the relationship of the healthcare provider to the patient, to their families and to their own experiences with death."
A discussion on genetic counseling with an emphasis on grief and bereavement counseling in relation to interpreting and making decisions about a genetic screening.
Abstract This paper relates that as genetic screening becomes more common so will the need to deal with persons who are displeased with its results and revelations. The paper then discusses how clinicians must acquire grief and bereavement counseling skills if they are to provide advice and information about interpreting and making decisions about a genetic screening. The paper emphasizes the importance of having such skills and presents examples of situations that illustrate why grief and bereavement counseling skills are so important in genetic screening. The paper concludes that, if the counseling experience is to be satisfactory, the counselor must help parents meet the immediate and long-term social needs of affected individuals in addition to their medical needs.
From the Paper "However imperfectly it is disseminated, via phone, or arranging for another appointment at a later date, follow-up counseling is just as essential as follow-up physical care. Many counselors believe "the couple should be advised not to have another child until the grieving process has been completed. Counseling should be directed at helping the couple overcome feelings of guilt, feelings of decreased self-worth and feelings of defectiveness. Referral to support groups may be helpful or the use of non-judgmental counseling and support structures that are accessible within the couple's own community (Rosenfeld 1992:1). Providing advice about creating such groups within communities without access to the more extensive array of options in urban locations should be a long-term goal pursued by the health care community."
Abstract This paper discusses that while psychologists can differentiate between "healthy" and "pathological" responses to death, grief is a highly individual experience for which responses to death are modified by cultures. The paper concludes that there is no panacea for grief; true mourning is the only medicine available for dealing with death, loss and pain.
From the Paper "Avoidance of mourning can manifest as a superficial covering of meaningless activity, work or addictions. Such behaviors serve to still the painful mental chatter that besets the bereaved and illustrates the difficulty of feeling pain. Self-pity is also a natural response to death, but one that can become pathological in its extreme. Clinging to the past and berating the self for lost words or lost time only serve to deepen the pain of loss."
Abstract In this paper the writer cites different medical/psychological studies done with widowed elderly adults to discuss what the effects of widowhood are in this age group. The writer also discusses differences in gender, income, education of the sufferers and how these impact the way they handle the situation. Emphasis is put on the depression that follows elderly bereavement and the healing process. Other topics include geriatric suicide, family support, nutrition and medication management.
From the Paper " Many stereotypes and misconceptions exist today about the aging process, older adults and what to expect in later life. Although depression should not be considered a normal part of aging, is easy to see why it is so common in older adults. So many huge changes take place as people grow older: retirement, dependency on others, loss of physical and mental capabilities and the death of friends and family. All of these losses and adjustments can be extremely difficult to handle. These losses can greatly diminish the meaning and quality of life, therefore increasing the risk of depression. Widowhood is often the hardest and loneliest of these adjustments. Widowhood is a personal, complex issue that varies according to the widow(er) being male or female, rich or poor and according to nationality, cultural expectations, past life experiences, family and social connections, etc."
