Chapter 28: Grief: In Loss and Death Copyright © 2012, 2007 Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
2 Grief Natural and normal reaction to loss; part of the human experience Grief descends on everyone regardless of age, status, or circumstance Bereavement: the period after the loss, usually an intense emotional response Mourning: process where people adapt to loss
3 Copyright © 2012, 2007 Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Types of Losses Death of loved one Self-esteem/self-worth Identity Dignity Psychiatric illness Surgery Illness Birth defect Change of locale Job loss
4 Copyright © 2012, 2007 Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Responses to Grief and Bereavement Physical manifestations Cognitive manifestations Behavioral and relating manifestations Affective manifestations: guilt and anger
5 Copyright © 2012, 2007 Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Physical Manifestations Weakness Numbness Anorexia Feelings of choking Shortness of breath Tightness in chest GI disturbances Sleep disturbances Increased vulnerability
6 Copyright © 2012, 2007 Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Cognitive Manifestations Preoccupation with thoughts and memories of the departed Difficulty concentrating Longing for the deceased Rumination, isolation, excessive guilt
7 Copyright © 2012, 2007 Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Behavioral and Relating Manifestations Disruptions in patterns of conduct Inability to perform ADLs Restless disorganization Excessive rumination Isolation Lack of meaning in old life patterns
8 Copyright © 2012, 2007 Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Affective Manifestations Emotional: sadness, guilt, anxiety Cognitive: preoccupied, ruminating Physical: somatic complaints, lowered immune function Existential: disruption in life’s certainties, questioning beliefs
9 Copyright © 2012, 2007 Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Stages of and Process of Grief 1. Avoidance Numbing Blunting Denial 2. Confrontation Period of active mourning Disorganization Despair 3. Reestablishment Gradual Reorganization Recovery
10 Copyright © 2012, 2007 Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Process of Grief May include some or all: Shock and disbelief Protest and despair Emotionless cognitive activity Waves of despair Yearning, despair, and disorganization Rebuilding process
11 Copyright © 2012, 2007 Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Tasks of Grief Telling the death story Expressing/accepting the sadness, guilt, anger, and negative feelings Reviewing the relationship Exploring possibilities for life after loss Understanding common processes and problems in grief Being understood or accepted by others
12 Copyright © 2012, 2007 Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Complicating Factors Pain of great intensity Attempts to avoid the pain Work is contradictory Pain demands expression Fear of loss of control if expressed Cultural values support avoiding expression of grief
13 Copyright © 2012, 2007 Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Types of Grief Anticipatory Catastrophic diagnosis Acute grief Painful experience after loss Dysfunctional grief Traumatic Absent/inhibited Conflicted Chronic Chronic sorrow
14 Copyright © 2012, 2007 Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Bereavement Care Before loss Primary prevention (e.g., family involvement in community, improved parenting) When loss is impending Assist toward reconciliation Promote participation in care Support groups/hospice Preventive grief therapy After loss