Grief and Loss

Mental Health Exam 2

What are the two general types of loss?

Actual loss (tangible) and perceived loss (intangible).

What is maturational loss?

anticipated losses that occur during the life cycle as a result of natural development like aging or life transitions.

What are the five stages of grief in Kubler-Ross' model?

1. Denial, 2. Anger, 3. Bargaining, 4. Depression, 5. Acceptance

What is disenfranchised grief?

Grief that is not openly acknowledged or supported socially, often experienced by those whose loss is deemed insignificant.

What is anticipatory grieving?

Grieving before an actual loss occurs, often seen in situations like terminal illness.

What is situational loss?

unanticipated losses that are caused by unusual circumstances like loss of health, a family member, friends, safety, or a treasured object.

What is the first stage in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs?

physiological needs like food, water, breathing, homeostasis, sexual reproduction

What is the second stage in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs?

safety needs like protection, stability, health, and financial security

What is the third stage in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs?

love and belonging like friendships, family, community, intimacy

What is the fourth stage in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs?

esteem needs like self-confidence, independenc, respect

What is the fifth stage in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs?

self-actualization; desire to accomplish everything one can to become the most that one can be.

What is grief and how is it characterized?

a subjective internal response to loss; characterized by expression in a variety of ways including physiological, cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and/or spiritual

What is considered the typical timeline for achieving some acceptance in normal grief?

some level of acceptance is usually achieved by about 6 months after the loss.

How do we define grieving or bereavement?

process by which a person experiences and works through their grief. It involves both the content of what the person thinks, says, and feels, as well as the process by which these reactions occur.

What are the two key aspects involved in the process of grieving?

involves the content (what a person thinks, says, and feels) and the process (how a person thinks, says, and feels).

What is mourning, and what does it involve?

actions and outward expressions of grief, including rituals such as wakes or funerals. It is also referred to as "grief work," which is the behavioral process of working through grief.

Why is it important to engage in mourning rituals?

important because they help individuals work through their grief.

What is anticipatory grieving, and when does it occur?

process by which individuals begin to deal with the possibility of loss or death before it actually occurs. This involves "letting go" and grieving in advance, often seen with terminal illness.

How flexible is the progression through the five stages of grief in the Kubler-Ross model?

stages can overlap, be skipped, or repeated. Each person’s grieving process is unique and may not follow the exact order of stages.

What is complicated or dysfunctional grieving?

occurs when the response to a loss falls outside the norm

What are some characteristics that may indicate a case of complicated grief?

grief that is unresolved, chronic or prolonged, delayed or inhibited, distorted or exaggerated, or even disenfranchised.

In what ways might the expression of grief be considered dysfunctional?

may include expressions that are disproportionate to the event, like complete lack of emotion or overly exaggerated reactions. It might also involve maladaptive coping strategies that hinder the natural progression of grief.

Identify some risk factors that can contribute to the development of complicated or dysfunctional grieving.

being emotionally or physically dependent on the deceased, experiencing an unexpected or violent death, having inadequate coping skills, low self-esteem, low trust in others, a lack of social support, and preexisting mental health issues.

How does age and one’s current stage of development influence the response to loss and grief?

age and stage of development influence how they understand and cope with loss.

Why is it important to explain the grief process and expected behaviors in each stage?

helps individuals recognize “normal” grief reactions, reduces fear or confusion, and encourages healthy coping strategies.

How does encouraging communication and developing a support system aid in grief and mourning?

It allows the person to express emotions and reduces isolation by providing emotional and practical support.

What is the benefit of discussing the resumption of usual activities during grief?

It helps restore a sense of normalcy and stability while continuing to heal.

How can effective coping and grieving behaviors be promoted?

By encouraging self-care, emotional expression, and healthy outlets for processing grief.

What are 3 critical components in the nursing assessment of observing client responses in the dimensions of grieving?

adequate: perception regarding loss, support while grieving loss, coping behaviors during process

What questions should be asked to assess a pt’s perception of loss and encourage their movement through the grief process?

What does the pt think and feel about the loss; How has it affected their daily life? What info the nurse may need to clarify or share w/the pt

What is adaptive denial?

the pt gradually adjusts to the reality of the loss, can help pt let go of previous perceptions before loss while creating new coping strategies for moving forward.

What are some actions a nurse can take to help a pt cope?

encouraging pt to care for themself; offer food w/o pressure to eat; going back to routine of work or focusing on other family members