Grieving Age and Type of Death
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McLaughlin 1
Grieving Age and Type of Death
Katherine McLaughlin
College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Grand Canyon University
PSY-358: Adult Development and Aging
Prof. Pullara
December 17, 2023
McLaughlin 2
Grieving Age and Type of Death
Grief is a universal human experience, arising from various sources such as death,
profound sorrow, or enduring personal challenges. It manifests in diverse forms and can be
triggered by factors like the loss of a loved one, a difficult breakup, or the terminal illness of
someone close, as seen in conditions like Alzheimer's disease. The expression and impact of grief
can be influenced by individual religious beliefs, cultural backgrounds, and overall lifestyle.
Moreover, this discourse will delve into the varied ways different individuals navigate through
grief and how their coping mechanisms contribute to a healthy resolution of loss. The subsequent
discussion will shed light on the multifaceted aspects of grief, encompassing its origins, diverse
expressions, and the nuanced ways individuals cope with the profound emotional challenges
associated with loss.
Grief and Death
The grieving process unfolds through five distinct stages: denial, anger, bargaining,
depression, and acceptance. Whether overt or subtle, these stages play a pivotal role in assisting
individuals in finding a sense of peace amidst challenging circumstances. In the context of
bereavement, such as the loss of a loved one, the grieving process may extend for an extended
period, potentially lasting over a year, as individuals navigate emotional and life adjustments
(Wiens, 2022). Grief does not adhere to a rigid timeline, and its duration can persist for several
years until a state of acceptance is reached. When contending with the loss of a parent, typical
grief responses emerge, encompassing emotions such as feeling adrift, experiencing regret,
grappling with fear, and, paradoxically, even sensing relief (Wiens, 2022). The loss of a figure
present throughout one's entire life can be particularly challenging, evoking sentiments of
profound loss, and it may be perceived as a depletion of unconditional love.
McLaughlin 3
Beliefs and Grief
Perceptions of death and grief vary significantly based on an individual's religious and
cultural perspectives. Within the context of Buddhism, death is regarded with a lack of fear, as
practitioners believe in the continuous cycle of life and death. According to Buddhist philosophy,
the spirit undergoes rebirth after death, creating a seamless continuum (Dorji & Lapierre, 2022).
Additionally, death is viewed as an opportunity for liberation from the perpetual life cycle. In the
Buddhist tradition, the post-death period offers the potential for continued connection.
Practitioners believe that individuals can still receive gifts and messages after their passing. To
honor the departed, traditional mourning services are conducted every seven days, featuring
prayers and offerings designed to facilitate the deceased's transition to the next life (Dorji &
Lapierre, 2022). This ritual is considered a significant and meaningful time in the bereavement
process within the Buddhist framework.
Religion and Culture
Discussions surrounding life and death reveal both commonalities and distinctions
influenced by an individual's religious or cultural affiliations. A comparative analysis between
Buddhist and Christian perspectives on death reveals a shared belief in the continuity of life
beyond physical existence (Trammel, 2017). Christians maintain that leading a virtuous life and
having faith in Christ grants eternal life in Heaven. In contrast, Buddhism adheres to the concept
of reincarnation, differing from Christianity's emphasis on a spiritual afterlife (Trammel, 2017).
Despite these divergent beliefs in rebirth or continued existence, both religions acknowledge the
occurrence of grief among individuals on Earth.
Complications
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McLaughlin 4
Bereavement and the coping mechanisms employed in the face of death can be
significantly complicated by various factors. These include the nature of the relationship, the loss
of social support, a history of prior mental health issues, and the unexpected or violent
circumstances surrounding the death (Ferguson, et al., 2021). While all deaths pose inherent
challenges for coping, the unexpected nature of a death introduces additional complexities for
those navigating through grief. Indicators of complicated bereavement may manifest as a loss of
purpose, obsessive thoughts concerning the deceased, an excessive pursuit of reminders related
to the individual, intense longing, and even contemplation of suicidal thoughts (Ferguson, et al.,
2021). Furthermore, physical symptoms such as insomnia, loss of appetite, and heightened stress
may also manifest. Effectively addressing death and grief necessitates a healthy navigation
through available resources.
Resources When Coping with Grief
Numerous resources are available to assist individuals in navigating the challenges of loss
in a healthy manner. A fundamental aspect of this navigation involves acknowledging the
profound pain associated with death. Additionally, recognizing that grief can evoke unforeseen
and complex emotions and being able to accept and process these emotions are crucial
components of the coping process. Seeking face-to-face support from friends, family, and
participating in support groups represents another valuable resource in navigating grief and death
(Ferguson, et al., 2021). Engaging in conversations about the departed individual can serve as a
constructive means of coping with the loss, providing an avenue for others to offer advice and
support during this challenging period.
My Personal Grief and How I Cope
McLaughlin 5
I have encountered relatively little grief in my life, and the instances I did face were
during my early years when I lacked a full understanding of its impact. While grief is challenging
across all age groups, its nuances can be particularly pronounced in youth, where memories may
fade more rapidly. To navigate through grief, I have developed coping strategies, with the most
pivotal one being to stay engaged and active. When idle, my mind tends to dwell on negative
thoughts, particularly in the context of death. By immersing myself in various activities, be it
hobbies, work, or other pursuits, I manage to divert my thoughts away from the darker aspects of
loss. Furthermore, I recognize the importance of protective factors for future instances of grief,
such as preparing oneself for the inevitable. Although accepting death can be arduous,
anticipating and understanding the potential outcomes for certain loved ones can facilitate a more
manageable coping process. In the case of my great-grandmother's passing, the expected nature
of her death, while still evoking sadness and progressing through the stages of grief, somewhat
eased the intensity of the experience.
Conclusion
Grief is a universal experience that manifests in response to deep sorrow, life challenges,
and death. A crucial aspect of navigating grief lies in understanding and coping with its various
stages. Grief presents itself uniquely in individuals, affecting them mentally, emotionally, and
physically. The diverse beliefs and lifestyles of individuals significantly influence their
experiences of bereavement, shaping their perspectives on grief and death. Unlike many
processes, grief operates without a predefined timeline or limitation and may persist for extended
periods, spanning years. In confronting the impact of grief, finding, and leveraging support
groups and other available resources becomes imperative for maintaining emotional resilience
and strength.
McLaughlin 6
References
Dorji, N., & Lapierre, S. (2022). Perception of death and preference for end-of-life care among
Asian Buddhists living in Montreal, Canada.
Death studies
,
46
(8), 1933–1945.
https://doi.org/10.1080/07481187.2021.1872743
Ferguson, K. A., Reitschuler-Cross, E. B., & Stahl, S. T. (2021). A Multimethod Examination of
Medical Students’ Experiences With Bereavement and Complicated Grief. OMEGA-
JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING.
https://doi-
org.lopes.idm.oclc.org/10.1177/00302228211049678
Trammel, R. C. (2017). Tracing the roots of mindfulness: Transcendence in Buddhism and
Christianity. Journal of Religion & Spirituality in Social Work: Social Thought, 36(3),
367–383.
https://doi-org.lopes.idm.oclc.org/10.1080/15426432.2017.1295822
Wiens, Marian Durksen. “Navigating Grief: Reflections on Grief and Aging.”
Vision: A Journal
for Church and Theology
, 2022, press.palni.org/ojs/index.php/vision/article/view/779.
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