Death and Bereavement

A set of 50 flashcards summarizing key concepts related to death and bereavement, based on the lecture notes.

Thanatology

The study of death and dying.

Terminal Drop

A decline in cognitive abilities observed shortly before death.

Near Death Experiences (NDEs)

Experiences reported by people who have come close to dying, often involving a sense of leaving the body.

Hospice Care

Compassionate care for the terminally ill, focusing on palliative care.

Palliative Care

Care intended to relieve pain and suffering but not to cure.

Five Stages of Grief

Stages proposed by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance.

Grief

An emotional response that follows closely after death.

Bereavement

The response to the loss of someone to whom a person feels close.

Classic Grief Work Model

A model describing the psychological process of dealing with grief.

Shock and Disbelief

An initial reaction to a death, characterized by feeling lost and confused.

Preoccupation with Memory

A stage where the survivor cannot accept the death, lasting 6 months to 2 years.

Resolution in Grieving

Renewed interest in everyday activities and fond memories of the deceased.

Recovery Pattern

A grief pattern where distress moves from high to low.

Delayed Grief Pattern

Initial moderate grief that gradually worsens over time.

Chronic Grief Pattern

Prolonged distress following a loss; may last years.

Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD)

Grief that is incapacitating and persists for a long time.

Mortality Salience

The awareness and acknowledgement of one’s mortality.

Terror Management Theory

The psychological responses humans have when confronted with death.

Cultural Worldview Commitment

Increased adherence to cultural norms and beliefs in response to mortality.

Children's Understanding of Death

Understanding that death is irreversible, universal, and inevitable.

Grief Expression in Children

Children may express grief through anger or acting out.

Teen Grief Response

Teens often seek peer support while processing their grief.

Adulthood Grief Response

Adulthood responses to death often include reflections on life’s meaning.

Significant Losses

Experiences such as widowhood or losing a parent that impact well-being.

Euthanasia

Intended to end suffering; means 'good death'.

Active Euthanasia

Deliberate action to shorten a life; generally illegal.

Passive Euthanasia

Withholding treatment to prolong life.

Advance Directive

A document that outlines a person’s wishes regarding medical care.

Assisted Suicide

When a physician helps a person end their own life.

Ethical Arguments for Assisted Suicide

Based on autonomy and the right to die with dignity.

Ethical Arguments Against Assisted Suicide

Based on the belief that taking a life is inherently wrong.

Life Review

A reminiscence process that reflects on the significance of one’s life.

Methods in Life Review Therapy

Activities that foster life reflection, such as scrapbooking or autobiographies.

Legacy Work

Sum up one's life's work and experiences.

Grief Work

Psychological issues connected to grief that must be worked through.

Adjustment after Loss

The process of adapting to a changed role or status after a bereavement.

Ambiguous Loss

Grief is hardest when the loss is not clear-cut, such as a missing person.

Attachment Processes in Grieving

Finding comfort from loved ones in response to the loss.

Role Change in Grief

Adjusting to new identities after losing a significant person.

Economic Consequences of Widowhood

Financial challenges faced by widows after the loss of a spouse.

Isolation After Loss

Increased social isolation experienced by men after widowhood.

Supporting Children Through Grief

Encouraging open discussion about death and feelings with children.

Role of Caregivers for Grieving Teens

Teens often take on more responsibilities after a loss.