Understanding the Psychology of Grief
Many of us are familiar with the five-stage grief cycle that was popularized by Swiss American psychologist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross. For some of us, it is an accurate description of the grief process we experience after the loss of a loved one. For others, it couldn’t be more inaccurate. Grief is a highly personal experience that manifests itself in different forms for different people. Here is a brief look at the psychology of grief:
Kübler-Ross Model
Based on hundreds of interviews with dying patients, Kübler-Ross deduced that there is a set of five stages people tend to experience in the face of tragedy. These stages are denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.
Her empirical research lent great credence to the five stages of grief that she outlined in her signature work, On Death and Dying. Since the book was published, her model has been widely circulated throughout academia and the public. For some, the Kübler-Ross Model accurately depicts the grieving process, and knowing that acceptance is on the horizon can help them cope with their grief.
Why the Kübler-Ross Model is Not Universal
Even Elisabeth Kübler-Ross wrote that not everyone experiences the five stages of grief when coping with a life-threatening illness or the loss of a loved one. This is because grief is a natural process; and, by nature, humans are different. Cultural norms and expectations, as well as experiential differences, can further explain the varying ways in which people grieve.
Grief Support Effectiveness
With funeral arrangements to make and legal matters to attend to following the loss of a loved one, the natural grief process can be further interrupted. Full-service funeral homes offer grief support that has proven very effective at helping individuals cope with loss. One-on-one grief counseling and group-style grief support can continue to help people cope long after they have planned a funeral service and memorial.
Are you looking for an experienced and compassionate funeral home director in the East Bay area to help you make funeral arrangements for your loved one? If so, Chapel of the Chimes Hayward can help. Call (866) 475-9407 or visit our website to learn more about our full range of professional funeral-related services, which include grief support recommendations.
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