Elizabeth Kubler Ross’ Stages of Loss 1.Denial and Isolation 1.Denial and Isolation 2.Anger 2.Anger 3.Bargaining 3.Bargaining 4.Depression 4.Depression 5.Acceptance/Adjustment 5.Acceptance/Adjustment
Denial and Isolation Denial and Isolation Upon learning of impending death a person’s first reaction maybe, “No, not me !” Upon learning of impending death a person’s first reaction maybe, “No, not me !” The tendency is for the individual to seek a “more competent” opinion. By denying the truth, a person buys time to adjust to the bad news. Upon hearing the conformation that death is a certainty, the person may withdraw or isolate themselves. The tendency is for the individual to seek a “more competent” opinion. By denying the truth, a person buys time to adjust to the bad news. Upon hearing the conformation that death is a certainty, the person may withdraw or isolate themselves.
Anger If the person’s first reaction is “not me”, often their second reaction is “why me”. A feeling of anger arises when it is no longer possible to deny the probability of death. If the person’s first reaction is “not me”, often their second reaction is “why me”. A feeling of anger arises when it is no longer possible to deny the probability of death. Anger may be vented toward the doctor, family, God or self. Anger may be vented toward the doctor, family, God or self.
Bargaining A frequent reaction after denial and anger is that of bargaining. During this stage the individual attempts to bargain with God, a doctor or with self. A frequent reaction after denial and anger is that of bargaining. During this stage the individual attempts to bargain with God, a doctor or with self. “If you let me live for just three more years I promise I will not smoke anymore” or “ I promise to go to church every Sunday”. “If you let me live for just three more years I promise I will not smoke anymore” or “ I promise to go to church every Sunday”.
Depression When denial and anger are both spent, and it is clear that bargaining will not work, the individual often begins to reflect on the on the changes that wait ahead, focusing on loss of functioning and separation from loved ones. When denial and anger are both spent, and it is clear that bargaining will not work, the individual often begins to reflect on the on the changes that wait ahead, focusing on loss of functioning and separation from loved ones. Often the individual withdraws or isolates again. Often the individual withdraws or isolates again.
Acceptance/Adjustment Acceptance/Adjustment Given time and opportunity the individual may come to terms with death. Given time and opportunity the individual may come to terms with death. Based on their perspective of death the individual begins to contemplate the meaning of their the life. Based on their perspective of death the individual begins to contemplate the meaning of their the life. It is during this stage that individual may participate in “unfinished business” and seek to die at peace with the world. It is during this stage that individual may participate in “unfinished business” and seek to die at peace with the world.
Russell’s Perspectives of Death Ecological Ecological Christian Christian Reincarnation Reincarnation Life After Life Life After Life Humanistic Humanistic
Ecological Perspective Death is a natural and inevitable consequence of coming into being….. common to all forms of life. The fittest or most adaptable survive the longest. There is no life beyond death. The old must give way to the young. Life is a natural process. Human life is not inherently better than any other form of life. Death is a natural and inevitable consequence of coming into being….. common to all forms of life. The fittest or most adaptable survive the longest. There is no life beyond death. The old must give way to the young. Life is a natural process. Human life is not inherently better than any other form of life.
Humanistic Perspective Human life is the most valuable form of life and should be prolonged. Death is the end of life. If people are to live on it is because they are remembered by others. Human life should be extended at the cost of other life forms. Death with honor is preferred over just more life.
Christian Perspective This perspective views God as the Creator of all life forms, with humans as His supreme creation.. Those who accept Christ as their savior will live on for eternity with God, those who do not will also live on but in separation from God. This perspective views God as the Creator of all life forms, with humans as His supreme creation.. Those who accept Christ as their savior will live on for eternity with God, those who do not will also live on but in separation from God.
Reincarnation Death is seen as leaving one plane and entering another. Each entity is a continuous stream of experience simply changing form and plane at “death”. Since the goal of all living is to be completely selfless, “death” is merely a another experience in which to exhibit selfishness of selflessness.
Life After Life In this perspective life continues in a clearly conscious form. This perspective evidenced by those who report having Near Death Experiences. Most say that the experience is one of clear consciousness out of their “dead” body, the experience has been described as pleasant and serene and is characterized by health and wholeness. In this perspective life continues in a clearly conscious form. This perspective evidenced by those who report having Near Death Experiences. Most say that the experience is one of clear consciousness out of their “dead” body, the experience has been described as pleasant and serene and is characterized by health and wholeness.
What Are Your Beliefs? Christian 50% Life After Life25% Reincarnation25% Total100%