Psychology of Grief Exam 2

the reaction of the body to an event often experienced emotionally as a sudden, violent and upsetting disturbance.

Usually occurs with sudden deaths, but may also be seen with a prolonged illness. This is a defense mechanism to allow the person time to adjust to the situation.  It is usually short-term.

Which "normal" grief reaction is most common?

The most common. Can be felt for the deceased for the suffering he may have had or because he will no longer be able to experience life. Sadness is also felt for oneself and one’s own loss.

blame directed toward one’s self based on real or unreal conditions.

May be real or perceived.  Often these feelings are exaggerated because the death does not allow the person to resolve the issue that caused the guilt with the deceased.

Can be directed at the person for dying and leaving, at God for not preventing the death, toward other people, or even toward oneself.

is blame directed towards another person.

Can range from mild insecurity to intense panic. Fear of one’s own death or fear of how life will be without the deceased person may cause anxiety.

A state of tension typically characterized by rapid heartbeat and shortness of breath. An emotion characterized by a vague fear or premonition that something undesirable is going to happen.

These do not have to be deaths.  Example: An individual who, in a two-year period, experiences the death of a child, the divorce of parents, a move to a new home, and the disappearance of a pet is a prime candidate for grief overload.

to many losses experienced over a period of time

often manifests itself in what others consider an exaggerated response to the most recent loss

An experience of overload form different stressful events that occur at the same time.

A death occurs while he/she is going through a divorce, dealing with troubled children, financial difficulties and job transition.

These may cause an exaggerated response, due to the ongoing issues in his/her life.

Men (boys) are expected to be strong in the face of a loss. Men are conditioned to express anger rather than grief and fear.

Women have been taught that sadness and crying are acceptable female behaviors. Anger is expressed through these behaviors.

syndrome characterized by the presence of grief in anticipation of death or loss; the actual death comes as a  confirmation of knowledge of a life-limiting condition.

the pain experienced from anticipating the person's death and what will happen after they are gone. Experiencing these feelings before the death can help relieve some of the grief following the death.

This is a loss that comes about because of a primary loss and often involves the loss of some type of status

The death of a spouse means the death of the unit. The death of a sibling means the death of position.

The death of the primary “breadwinner” may mean the loss of being able to fulfill dreams of the survivor. The loss of a child brings the secondary loss of dreams and expectations.

Shock/disbelief/denial

Sadness

Which "normal" grief reaction is one of the first experiences in sudden deaths?

Loneliness

Guilt

Anger

Anxiety

Crying

Preoccupation with thought of the deceased

Dreams/nightmares

Confusing awake events

although these are considered by many people to be paranormal or spiritual happenings, all have a firm foundation in realty and psycholoigy

include seeing or hearing the deceased or feeling as though the deceased is present or directing events

Strengthening of a person’s spiritual beliefs

Weakening of a person’s spiritual beliefs

Causing questions as to the meaning of life and death, beliefs, and values.

Preoccupation with death

Inability to concentrate

Disorganized thoughts

Sense of presence, seeing, hearing loved one

Suicidal thoughts

Inability to remember

Easily distracted

Verbal clues

Doing or saying things contrary to beliefs or accustomed behavior

Either staying at home (isolation) or getting away from home (overly extraverted)

Visiting places associated with the deceased

Loss of interest in social activities, current events

Sleep disturbances (Insomnia, bad dreams)

Changing in eating habits

Increase in bad habits (Drugs, Alcohol and Nicotine)

Crying outburst; anger outburst

Sighing

Headaches

Startle responses

Crying

Menstrual difficulties

Dizziness

Fatigue

Trembling

Muscular tension

Insomnia

Emptiness in gut

Loss of Appetite

Stomach problems

Something stuck in throat

Lowered immunity

Sexual desire changes

Shortness of breath

Increase/decreased activity

Negative thoughts

Confusion

Difficulty concentrating

Lower productivity

Sleeplessness

Forgetting details

Mind going blank

Which "normal" grief reaction has therapeutic value?