Psychology of Death & Dying

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Questions and Answers

What primary focus does the course PSYC-208 cover?

Cognitive behavioral therapies

Issues related to death, dying, and loss (correct)

The history of psychological theories

Psychology of addiction

What key issue related to death is included in the course content?

Historical figures in psychology

Cognitive disorders in early childhood

Grief and bereavement (correct)

Public health policies

What is one method mentioned for the course format?

In-class discussions (correct)

Only online lecture materials

Pre-recorded video lectures

Independent study sessions

What cultural aspect is part of the course study?

Social contexts of death and loss Signup and view all the answers

Which service is offered by the instructor for additional help?

Drop-in office hours via Zoom Signup and view all the answers

Which group does UBC acknowledge in its campus location statement?

The Musqueam people Signup and view all the answers

What essential action should students take regarding the syllabus?

Be aware of all course policies and expectations Signup and view all the answers

How are students advised to handle borrowing notes?

By connecting with a classmate Signup and view all the answers

What key values are emphasized in UBC's policy on a respectful environment?

Respect and civility Signup and view all the answers

How should individuals approach the topic of death in discussions?

By maintaining respect for diverse opinions Signup and view all the answers

What does UBC encourage in terms of idea exchange within the community?

Freest possible exchange of information Signup and view all the answers

What was the percentage of deaths caused by cancer in Canada in 2022?

24.7% Signup and view all the answers

Why might someone struggle with taking a course that addresses the topic of death?

Strong personal beliefs and fears Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the leading cause of death in Canada?

Diseases of the Heart Signup and view all the answers

What should a student do if they experience difficulties during the term?

Get in touch as soon as possible for support Signup and view all the answers

How much of the total deaths in Canada in 2022 were attributed to COVID-19?

5.9% Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial expectation during intellectual debates at UBC?

Being polite and respectful Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of deaths were caused by stroke in Canada in 2022?

4.2% Signup and view all the answers

What indicates a successful learning environment according to UBC's policy?

Diversity and inclusion are valued Signup and view all the answers

Which disease had the lowest percentage of deaths in Canada in 2022?

Liver Disease Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the dying process according to the content provided?

It is variable depending on the disease. Signup and view all the answers

How should individuals handle disagreements on sensitive topics?

Respectfully disagree and maintain civility Signup and view all the answers

What circumstance led to Violet Brown being notable before her death?

She was the oldest verified living person. Signup and view all the answers

Sudden deaths often occur in which of the following situations?

Unexpected events like strokes and accidents. Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended edition of the required reading textbook?

4th Edition Signup and view all the answers

What components make up the course evaluation?

Three equally-weighted, non-cumulative exams and an optional paper Signup and view all the answers

How should students address their emails to the instructor?

By including the course code and section number, along with their full name and student number Signup and view all the answers

Where can students find lecture outlines in Canvas?

In the Files/Lecture Outlines or the Modules tab Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of modules in Canvas?

They organize all course materials Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of not submitting the optional paper for evaluation?

Each exam will comprise 1/3 of the final grade Signup and view all the answers

What type of questions should be directed to the Teaching Assistant?

General feedback or insight on grading Signup and view all the answers

What should students do if they are experiencing financial hardships regarding the required reading?

Access the textbook online through the UBC library Signup and view all the answers

What age is considered the threshold for a death to be classified as premature?

70 years old Signup and view all the answers

What event led to Gary Hoy's death?

A glass wall failure Signup and view all the answers

How old was Wu Yongning at the time of his death?

26 years old Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon related to selfies is mentioned in the content?

Selfie-related deaths Signup and view all the answers

What does the quote by Ajaan Lee Dhammadharo imply about death?

Death is a valuable part of life. Signup and view all the answers

How many Homo sapiens are estimated to die each minute worldwide?

105 deaths Signup and view all the answers

The statement 'We are ALL going to die...' emphasizes what aspect of life?

Death is inevitable. Signup and view all the answers

What describes the majority of deaths that occur in Canada?

They occur in old age. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction to the Study of Death & Dying

PSYC-208, "The Psychology of Death & Dying", is taught by David King, PhD
Class format includes lectures and in-class discussions.
Lectures will occur in person as per the university schedule.
Students should connect with a classmate in case they need to borrow notes; detailed lecture slides will be provided.
David King's teaching approach is collaborative and inclusive.

Email Etiquette

Students should include the course code, section number, full name, and student number in all emails.

Course Website

Lecture slides will be posted on Canvas by the night before class.
Students are strongly advised to use these slides to take notes during class.
Canvas Modules will be used to organize course materials.
Course announcements will be made via Canvas.

Required Reading:

"Dying and Death in Canada" (4th Ed., 2021) by Northcott & Wilson.
Students are advised to use the 4th edition.
The textbook can be accessed online through UBC Library's "Library Online Course Reserves" on Canvas.

Course Evaluation:

The course evaluation includes three equally-weighted, non-cumulative exams and an optional paper.
Students who do not submit a paper will have each exam comprise 1/3 of their final grade.

Respect & Decency

All opinions and perspectives are respected.
Intellectual debate is encouraged, but must be conducted respectfully.
UBC's policy on respectful environment is included in the syllabus.

NOTE:

The topic of death is a difficult one for most people.
People deal with death and dying differently.
People have strong beliefs about death and dying.
Students must be respectful of all opinions.
The subject will be approached with honesty, and maturity is expected of students.

Supporting Student Success

Students are responsible for seeking out academic accommodations, concessions, and learning resources.
Supporting resources can be found in the syllabus and on Canvas.
David King is available to help students.

Leading Causes of Death in Canada

Approximately 334,081 deaths in Canada in 2022 (total pop.)
10 leading causes of death in Canada, 2022 (Stats Canada, 2023):
- Cancer (malignant neoplasms) - 24.7%
- Diseases of the Heart - 17.2%
- All other causes - 31.7%
- COVID-19 - 5.9%
- Accidents - 5.5%
- Stroke - 4.2%
- Lower Respiratory - 3,7%
- Diabetes - 2.3%
- Influenza & Pneumonia - 1.8%
- Alzheimer's Disease - 1.6%
- Liver Disease - 1.4%
Variations occur by country, region, gender, age, SES, ethnicity, etc.

Variations by Disease

The course and length of illness varies greatly from one disease to another.
This means the dying process is quite variable.

Sudden and Premature Death

Death is often unexpected. (e.g., strokes, accidents, suicides)
A death is considered premature if it occurs before the age of 70 (Canadian Institute for Health Information)
The majority of deaths in Canada occur in old age.

Death as a Result of Unforeseen Circumstances:

Gary Hoy, a lawyer, died after throwing himself against a window on the 24th storey of the Toronto-Dominion Centre in 1993.
The window frame gave way, and he fell to his death.
Wu Yongning, a 26-year-old social media daredevil, fell to his death from a 62-storey skyscraper in China while attempting a stunt.

Deaths from "killfies" (selfies taken in dangerous places) are on the rise.

A Global Perspective

An estimated 105 people die each minute worldwide.
Over 100 billion Homo sapiens have died.

Meaning and Values of Death

"Aging, illness, and death are treasures for those who understand them. They’re Noble Truths, Noble Treasures. If they were people, I’d bow down to their feet every day.” (Ajaan Lee Dhammadharo).
"Though the physicality of death destroys us, the idea of death saves us."

Death is Universal

We are ALL going to die.
Death is a natural part of life and a consequence of being born.

Studying That Suits You

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Description

This quiz covers key concepts from the PSYC-208 course on the psychology of death and dying, taught by Dr. David King. It includes insights from the required reading 'Dying and Death in Canada' and emphasizes collaborative learning and email etiquette for effective communication in the course.

Psychology of Death & Dying - PSYC-208

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