Cognitive Changes, the Dying Process, and Self-Concept

Vocabulary flashcards covering crystallized intelligence, Alzheimer's, the stages of the death and dying process, bereavement, and the public versus private self.

Crystallized intelligence

A form of intelligence involving global ability and general knowledge that increases over time and seems to improve as a person grows older.

Alzheimer's

An incurable condition characterized by progressive deterioration of intelligence and personality, widespread degeneration of brain cells, and a gradual decline that eventually becomes the cause of death.

Denial

The stage of the death and dying process characterized by an attempt to stop the awareness of the event from entering consciousness.

Anger

A stage in the dying process that serves as the first step of acceptance, occurring when an individual begins to realize that the situation is their reality.

Bargaining

A stage in the dying process in which an individual attempts to negotiate for more time to reach specific milestones, such as watching children graduate.

Acceptance

A state reached in the dying process where individuals prepare themselves for the inevitable.

Bereavement

The experience of dealing with loss, which individuals cope with in very different ways, meaning overt expressions like weeping or wailing do not indicate a person is processing grief better than someone who keeps it to themselves.

Public self

The part of an individual consisting of traits, characteristics, beliefs, and values that they openly reveal and are willing to share with others.

Private self

The aspect of an individual consisting of things they try not to show and do not let others know regarding how they think.