Grief and Coping

Death and Mourning Across Cultures

• In some cultures, the deceased person enters the next world appearing as they did at the time of death.
• African Americans have a common mourning ritual of "sassying" or "cutting a rug," which involves loud, energetic, and expressive grieving.

Hispanic American Mourning Practices

• A common mourning practice for Hispanic Americans is to hold a novena, which is a nine-day prayer ritual for the deceased.

Funeral and Mourning Rituals

• In some cultures, there are strict norms for announcing death, preparing the body, arranging the funeral, and mourning after burial.
• Mourning rituals may include wearing black clothing, avoiding loud noises, and refraining from celebrating special events.

Grief and Loss

• Grief can lead to physical symptoms such as sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, and fatigue.
• The grieving process can affect a person's self-esteem, especially if they experience a sense of failure or guilt.
• The first stage of grief involves shock and disbelief regarding the loss.
• Common emotional responses during grieving include denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.
• A common first response to the news of a loss is denial.

Behavioral Responses to Grief

• Behavioral responses to grief may include crying, screaming, or becoming withdrawn.
• Physiological symptoms during grief can manifest as headaches, stomach problems, or changes in sleep patterns.

Cultural Variations in Mourning

• In Guatemalan American funerals, it's common to have a festive atmosphere with food, music, and dance.
• Native Americans believe that death is a natural part of life, and the spirit of the deceased continues to exist in another realm.
• The Shiva period in Orthodox Jewish American culture is a seven-day mourning period where the family stays at home and receives visitors.

Complicated Grief

• Complicated grief can occur when the grieving process is prolonged or intense, leading to feelings of depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts.
• Factors that can complicate the grief process include a lack of social support, traumatic circumstances of the death, and pre-existing mental health conditions.

Assessing Grieving Clients

• An important component in assessing a grieving client is to identify their coping mechanisms and support systems.
• Cognitive responses to grief may include feelings of guilt, regret, or "what ifs."
• Emotional responses to loss may include anger, sadness, or frustration.

Workplace Bullying

• Workplace bullying and prevention regulations are issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
• Undesirable behaviors in the workplace, according to the text, include intimidation, bullying, and disruptive behavior.
• Disruptive and intimidating behaviors demonstrated by health care providers in power positions can include verbal outbursts, condescending language, and humiliation.
• A potential consequence of workplace bullying is a decrease in productivity and morale.
• The Joint Commission issued a sentinel event alert concerning intimidating and disruptive behaviors that undermine a culture of safety.