Psy 100 - Grief Research Paper

Shannon Stagnolia

PSY-100  

January 28, 2018

Michelle Griego

Grief Research paper

        To start this paper we are to analyze the 5 stages of grief.  The first stage of grief is known as denial and isolation.  During this stage it is the first reaction to deny the reality that there is something wrong or someone has passes away.  Second is Anger,  this anger may be projected onto inanimate objects, family and loved ones, or even the doctor who diagnosed the loved one.  There is a rationality that the person is not to blame and this may also cause more anger to emerge.  Bargaining is the third step the need to regain control of what I am calling the “what ifs”.  The what if we sought attention sooner, another opinion, or being a better person.  We try to make a deal with our deity to prolong the life and delay the inevitable.  Depression follows bargaining.  At this stage two types of depression are associated with mourning (Axlerod 2018)  Practical and subtle.  Particle is the sadness and regret of leaving our loved ones and the cost that will be relative to the situation.  The subtle part is the private preparation of the impending farewell.  Acceptance is the fifth and final step.   The acceptance that there are people with us that are here to help and allowing  and understanding that our emotions are normal and we resistance only extends the process of the loss.  

        The two cultures chosen for to identify how they handle death of the people are as follows, Native American culture and European American culture.  In the Native American culture, the spiritual leader usually tempers the funeral services there is not certain order as every person is different.  There also is not preservation of the body.  The process of embalming is forgone however any type of mutilation other than natural decay is taboo.  The Native Americans believe that the spirit of the person lives on through the elements of nature even those Native Americans who have adopted Christianity believe in the reunification of body and nature.  Some Native Americans non-burial is not the significant part,  but allowing the deceased to pass naturally into the next plane of existence.

        European-Americans however have a significantly different way of bereavement.  Family and friends traditionally gather in dark clothes in support of common shared grief.  Usually a person of clergy or funeral director leads the funeral ceremonies.  Afterwards, there is usually a reception at the house of the family for refreshments and food in order to share memories and family bonding.  

These two cultures have a distinct difference in how they will react to the five stages of grief.  The first and denial would be the same.  This is normal and a natural reaction to the loss of a loved one.  Anger may be a where we see the first difference.  As the European-American may blame a doctor and or be angry that the loved one left them.  The Native-American may not feel this portion of grief.  They may see the passing as a circle and natural progression of nature.  Bargaining making deals with god or nature can be similar.  I would say that many Native-Americans would have a bit of a dilemma they would not argue with the natural progression only that maybe in the attempt to bargain with a medicine man to prolong the life of the loved one.  Whereas European-Americans will attempt to bargain to god such as praying for more time placing more emphasis on faith in our higher power.  Depression will be very much the same both have had a sadness related to the loss.  Acceptance will be two different yet similar reactions.  The European-American comes to terms with the fact they their loved one has moved forward to eternal life with god and is happy that they are in a better place.  The Native- Americans comes to terms with the reunification of man and nature.  Coming full circle from life to death and giving back to nature.