Thoughts of the Bereaved, Research Paper Example

Abstract

This paper examines the topic of bereavement in order to discover a more humane method of cognitive assessment of the bereaved. Recent studies, which focus on individual reactions to the loss of a first-degree relative, found a correlation between emotional problems and negative cognitions after the loss of a first degree relative. Associated research confirms that the manner in which a person responds to loss may be either beneficial or harmful to his or her mental health. In order to prevent a psychological breakdown after suffering a loss, the bereaved are encouraged to face their pain and make an effort to overcome it.

Introduction

Death is unavoidable and often, so are the debilitating consequences for the loved ones left to mourn the loss. Boulen et al. (2003) found that a large number of bereaved people attempt to deal with the consequences of death without professional help. The results are often catastrophic as these survivors develop mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, feelings of guilt, and post-traumatic stress disorder (Boelen, Van Den Bout, & Van Den Hout, 2003). Furthermore, historically popular methods of grieving have proved ineffective because of their modernist approach (Moules, Simonson, Prins, Angus, & Bell, 2004). In an attempt to improve the grieving process, Moules et al. (2004) suggested a new model for the study of grief. Traditionally, the modernist view of coping with death has suggested that the mourner ‘let go’ of his or her bereavement emotions. Boelen et al. (2003) contest this approach and suggest that the recognition of long-term affects associated with grief, and the presence of social support are more effective methods of bereavement treatment.

Discussion

In order to fully understand the process of grief, the authors examined various aspects associated with bereavement. For instance; Boelen et al. focused on negative beliefs, thoughts about self-blame, negative thoughts about other peoples’ responses after the loss, and negative thoughts about the mourner’s grief reactions. The authors found a direct correlation between the severity of grief symptoms and cognitive variables. In other words, the authors found that those individuals who were in the process of grieving were reluctant to let go of their anxiety or depression, for fear that they would ‘lose their minds,’ (Boelen, Van Den Bout, & Van Den Hout, 2003). The result of this fear was a manufactured reality which essentially obstructed any prospects of growth or healing. Although the grief caused the mourners anguish, they reported the need to express their grief through feelings of guilt. The mourners reported that this maintained a connection between them and the deceased. Boelen et al. (2003) found this to be a primary obstacle for healthcare workers who interact with bereaved patients. Furthermore, Boelen et al. (2003) found that certain mourners refrain from the bereavement process altogether, and this creates another area of concern. Often, such avoidance could result in loss of control. By ignoring the fact that a loved one is now deceased, the non-griever chooses to ignore memories of the deceased. In other words, by choosing to ignore memories of the deceased, the non-griever does not fully come to terms with the loss, and therefore does not realize that he or she is strong enough to overcome the pain associated with the loss. Instead, the non-griever suppresses exuberant amounts of pain (Boelen, Van Den Bout, & Van Den Hout, 2003).

Moules et al. (2004) found that a distinct correlation between the loss of a first-degree relative and the onset of mental health issues. A first-degree relative is often a person who shared a close relationship with the mourner, for instance a mother or a father. Emotional problems tend to increase after the loss of a first-degree relative is suffered. Moules at al. (2004) found:

“…when the shared variance between cognitive variables was controlled; negative beliefs about the world explained a specific proportion of the severity of traumatic grief,” (Moules, Simonson, Prins, Angus, & Bell, 2004).

The findings suggest that cognitive theories of grief could be an effective way to treat the negative emotional feelings caused by the death of a first degree relative. The authors found that the experience of grief, although universal, is very peculiar and non-discriminatory. By examining different practices of dealing with grief, the authors found that various influences could be helpful in the healing process of the bereaved. For instance, popular literature, culture, and therapeutic practices can improve the mental health and emotional stability of those who recently suffered a great loss. Moules at al. (2004) found this to be true because the total sum of these influences created experiences of grief based upon the individual’s personal beliefs. Moreover, the study revealed that while the grieving process is culturally sanctioned through outside sources, the experiences of grief contradict the sanctioned theories. When people are not successfully “getting through” the process of grief, their anguish is only exacerbated with a sense of failure and incompetence. This mental state then brings about more suffering and additional negative effects on the people that are still involved in the lives of the grieving individual (Moules, Simonson, Prins, Angus, & Bell, 2004).

Moules et al. (2004) found that nurses and other healthcare professionals involved in the care of the bereaved, tune in to the beliefs of the bereaved. In other words, these caretakers are often influenced by the emotional state of their patients. However, in order to grieve in a healthy manner, Moules et al. suggests that the environment should be constructive, rather than self-destructive. This becomes possible when the healthcare workers detach their personal feelings from those who are grieving, and focus instead on the healing of the brokenhearted. The authors suggest that the healing process should be productive and one of mutual support. Grieving is often a lifelong process. Although the loss of a loved one never truly goes away, dealing with the pain does become easier. This is especially true if the grieving methods are effective. Healthcare workers are therefore encouraged to accentuate the positive while working with bereaved patients. It becomes the responsibility of the healthcare worker to point out the many wonderful attributes that contribute to, and facilitate healing. Like most aspects of society, grief is a state of mind that thrives or dimishes, based on individual action or inaction (Moules, Simonson, Prins, Angus, & Bell, 2004).

Conclusion

The process of grief, regardless of its longevity or treatment, is only as taxing as the mourner allows it to be. However, “letting go” of the mental pain or anguish associated with a loss is neither a healthy, nor an effective method to deal with loss. Loss dictates many actions, and developing a greater understanding of how people respond to loss will provide a greater understanding for mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. Developing new ways to deal with grief may not end, or even shorten, the feeling of loss; but new methods in coping with loss will certainly change societal perception on how to respond to death. In other words, modernist methods of dealing with loss are outdated and proven ineffective. It is not conducive to the mental health of the bereaved, to suppress feelings of pain. Instead, in the process of facing those feelings, the bereaved should also be made aware of other positive aspects of his or her life. Healthcare workers, who focus on healing those who are drowning in their own sadness, have a responsibility to create environments in which the mourner can see some positive reminders of life. This will curb the development of severe depression and anxiety and will make the healing process more bearable.

Works Cited

Boelen, P. A., Van Den Bout, J., & Van Den Hout, M. A. (2003, March 19). The role of cognitive variables in psychological functioning after the death of a first degree relative . Retrieved July 18, 2011, from ScienceDirect: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0005796702002590

Moules, N. J., Simonson, K., Prins, M., Angus, P., & Bell, J. M. (2004). Making room for grief: walking backwards and living forward. Faculty of Nursing. Calgary: University of Calgary.