Grief Research Paper

Cheryl Clifford

PSY-100

April 9, 2017

Michelle Griego

Grief Research Paper

The five stages of grief are denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance though they do not have to happen in this exact order (Kubler-Ross, 2014 p.1). One stage being denial is the disbelief of any traumatic loss, or incurable illness. Anger is the second which could be focused on one’s self or others around them. The third stage is bargaining to which a person makes assumptions that that different steps could’ve been taken to prevent unfortunate events. The fourth stage is depression including constant worring of financial responsibilities as well as sorrow and remorse. The final stage is acceptance and the clarity and understanding of the person who is dying or loss that has occurred (Axelrod, 2017). This final stage is also how the soon to be departed can come to terms with what is happening. These five stages of loss and grief are very important when dealing, and a lot of environmental factors could fog mourners outlooks on death.

China is a culture of mourners whom regualary address dead precursors, and one review has demonstrated that the dispossessed there endure less long haul troubles than deprived Americans do (O’Rourke, 2010). Demise in China is also accompanied with crying and grievance, and then some sort of review took place followed by the preparing of the body. China mourns alone and in solidarity. Americans grieve more socially with the departed relative’s and known associates. Americans also have a particular color worn to show the stage of grieving in. Burial is a part of the culture as well as cremation. Americans also have a wake as well as the memorial services. A lot of Americans also seek professional help to deal with the loss of a loved one. China and America are two very different cultures that clearly handle death and loss in separate ways, but ultimately end with hopefully the outcome being able to accept the loss.

Cultural difference play a huge part of how each one of the stages is affected. Denial is a beginning stage, but some believe that if scared of death than the spiritual aspect of deciding one’s fate can be negatively impacted (Kramer, 2004). Misunderstanding amongst different cultures may also involve how mental stability can be affected. The rituals for each culture are different so that can also cause differences between cultures as well. The grieving process is very different for each culture as well. Having these cultural differences can lead to other problems with the stages since not every step happens in that exact order. Some can bypass the denial and anger and just go straight to the acceptance phase. A lot of cultures also believe in God, or the God of their understanding, and when a tragedy happens then lack of fate occurs. This could also impact the healing of death and cause more confusion to life’s cycle.