There are several factors that can affect an individual’s views on death and dying including:
- Religion/spirituality – belief in afterlife, death rituals etc.
- Age – death is accepted more in society for people that are older
- Past experience – some people may have had no experiences of someone they know dying, others may have a lot of experience
Full Answer
What are the different views about death and dying?
There are a range of different views about death and dying and several factors that can affect our own views. Exposure to death and dying can influence how we view it. A person that has been exposed to death and the grieving process may be much more accepting of death being a natural part of the human lifecycle.
How does culture affect the way we view death?
Similarly, our culture can affect how we feel about death and dying. Some cultures view death as a celebration of the person’s life and a time for happiness, whilst in other cultures the sadness and grief is highlighted. Our religion, spirituality and beliefs can influence how we view death.
What factors influence the grief/bereavement process?
Factors Influencing the Grief/Bereavement Process – Unexpected Death Vs. Expected Death Different emotions are triggered when we know that death is imminent versus when it comes "out of the blue."
Why is it important to know when someone is dying?
Different emotions are triggered when we know that death is imminent versus when it comes "out of the blue." Knowing ahead of time that a person is dying allows us to prepare, both by planning ways to minimize the negative impact of the loss after it occurs, as well as saying goodbye.
Why is death so difficult to understand?
How does spirituality affect death?
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What are some factors that influence death and dying?
These differences in views about death and dying are influenced by the individuality of the person; namely the social, cultural, religious, spiritual, psychological and emotional factors that make up that person.
What types of factors can impact on the needs and preferences of a dying individual?
Psychological or emotional factors. Social attitudes – death is a taboo subject and can prevent open and honest discussion. Cultural factors – different needs and rituals related to death and dying. Religious factors – respect for different beliefs regarding end of life and death.
What are some issues that are faced while a person is dying?
The challenges faced by the dying patient are substantial and potentially overwhelming. These challenges include physical pain, depression, a variety of intense emotions, the loss of dignity, hopelessness, and the seemingly mundane tasks that need to be addressed at the end of life.
What are effects of death?
Physically: Headaches, feeling tired, achy muscles and nausea. Emotionally: Sadness, anger, disbelief, despair, guilt and loneliness. Mentally: Forgetfulness, lack of concentration, confusion and poor memory. Behaviourally: Changes to sleeping patterns, dreams or nightmares, or to your appetite.
What is important to the dying?
Generally speaking, people who are dying need care in four areas: physical comfort, mental and emotional needs, spiritual needs, and practical tasks. Of course, the family of the dying person needs support as well, with practical tasks and emotional distress.
What is the most important factor for end-of-life discussions?
Being well-informed about the patient's medical history and present situation before holding any discussions related to serious illness is not just a good practice; it is crucial for successful EOL communication.
What are some barriers to end-of-life care?
These barriers to quality end-of-life care include dementia not being viewed as a terminal illness; the nature of the course and treatment decisions in advanced dementia; assessment and management of symptoms; the caregiver experience and bereavement; and health systems issues.
What is the main issue in end of life decisions?
Nutrition and hydration decisions are among the most emotionally and ethically challenging decisions in end-of-life care. Many medical associations suggest that feeding and hydration treatments are forms of palliative care that meet basic human needs and must be given to patients at the end of life.
Why do people get mean when they are dying?
Fear is probably the most common source of anger, especially in the dying and their families – fear of the unknown, being in pain or suffering, the future well-being of family members, abandonment, leaving unfinished business, losing control of bodily functions or cognition, being a burden to the family, and dying ...
Why do you think most of the people are afraid of death?
Many people cannot conceive life without their involvement. Humans also fear death because they view death as an annihilation of their person, a radical personal transformation, a threat to the meaningfulness of life, and a threat to the completion of life projects.
What are the effects of death on family?
The family members are left on their own to cope with all the perfectly normal feelings that they have: feelings of grief, loss, separation-anxiety; anger, rage, and resentment; feelings of loneliness, relief, perhaps disorientation; and feelings of guilt (p. 181).
How does a sudden death affect someone?
The most overwhelming and common reaction to a sudden death is shock and uncertainty. This results in feeling disconnected to your feelings or to other people; it can seem as if you are living in a dream. The initial news and stages of grief are often characterized by disbelief.
How spiritual factors can affect an individuals views on death and dying?
Spirituality can influence death rituals and beliefs about the afterlife. For some people they provide a source of meaning. For other people they can create a sense of conflict or distress. Some people have no experience with dying and can be fearful of what can occur.
What factors influence who should give significant news to an individual?
Explain factors that influence who should give significant news to an individual or key people The person who is giving significant information must be competent, must be a good communicator, must show concern and must be able to comfort the individual and their loved ones receiving significant news.
Why support for spiritual needs may be especially important at the end of life?
People nearing the end of life may have spiritual needs as compelling as their physical and emotional concerns. Spiritual needs involve finding meaning in one's life and ending disagreements with others, if possible. The dying person might find peace by resolving unsettled issues with friends or family.
Why it is important to support an individual in a way that promotes their dignity?
Throughout our lives, a sense of personal dignity is essential to our well being. We each need to feel valued and respected. Near the end-of-life, the challenges of serious illness can erode a person's dignity – which can increase pain and despair for both the patient and family.
How can social factor can affect individuals view on death and dying ...
Social factor can affect an individuals view on death and dying because many ways. A person can view things based on how they were raised, the environment the live in, social media, religious ...
Factors That Can Affect An Individual's Views On Death And Dying
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The Factors That Can Affect An Individual - StudyMode
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Outline the factors that can affect an individual’s views on death ...
It is important to understand that people can have differing views about death and dying. Whilst the thought of death may fill some people with dread and they may avoid talking about it, other people may be happy to openly discuss and view it as part of the ‘circle of life’.
Outline the factors that can affect own views on death and dying - DSDWEB
Similarly, our culture can affect how we feel about death and dying. Some cultures view death as a celebration of the person’s life and a time for happiness, whilst in other cultures the sadness and grief is highlighted.
Cultural Influences on End-Of-Life Care | CRHCF
Insights The latest articles, guides, and insights on grief, caregiving, hospice, and palliative care. Grief Resources Free downloadable resources for those who are experiencing grief after the death of a loved one.
What is the quality of death?
Quality of death is “the right to choose and desire for autonomy with regard to the manner of death” (Hendry et al, 2012, p19-20). In the systematic review of international literature which looks at people’s attitudes towards assisted dying, a number of surveys were examined and compared (Hendry et al, 2012), and within these surveys four common themes were identified. These included concerns about poor quality of life and desire for a good quality of death (Hendry et al, 2012, p17).
Why is debriefing important for nurses?
Debriefing could be benefit nurses and easier process they experience. The process of debriefing described an “information-sharing and event-processing session” operated as a conversation between peers by therapist, counselor or professional fellow that guides the recognized process that will help nurses get better from their distress or in individual cases provide victim assistance or make recommendations to follow up. In conclusion, debriefing delivers a safe discussion of stressful event occurrences in healthcare setting and offer opportunity for recognition of normal response to distressing situation, work in a therapeutic method overall, and buildup common compassion among
Why do we need to know the reasons people die?
Measuring how many people die each year helps to assess the effectiveness of our health systems and direct resources to where they are needed most. For example, mortality data can help focus activities and resource allocation among sectors such as transportation, food and agriculture, and the environment as well as health.
What are the causes of death in the United States?
Causes of death can be grouped into three categories: communicable (infectious and parasitic diseases and maternal, perinatal, and nutritional conditions), noncommunicable (chronic), and injuries. Notice there are several similarities between these and the top 10 causes of death in the United States described above.
How does losing a parent affect a child?
For a child, the death of a parent, without support to manage the effects of the grief, may result in long-term psychological harm. This is more likely if the adult carers are struggling with their own grief and are psychologically unavailable to the child. There is a critical role of the surviving parent or caregiver in helping the children adapt to a parent’s death. Studies have shown that losing a parent at a young age did not just lead to negative outcomes; there are some positive effects. Some children had increased maturity, better coping skills, and improved communication. Adolescents valued other people more than those who have not experienced such a close loss (Ellis & Lloyd-Williams, 2008).
How many people are in hospice care?
Today, it is estimated that over 40 million individuals require palliative care, with over 78% of them being of low-income status or living in low-income countries (World Health Organization, 2019). It is also estimated, however, that less than 14% of these individuals receive it. This gap is created by restrictive regulatory laws regarding controlled substance medications for pain management, as well as a general lack of adequate training in regards to palliative care within the health professional community. Although hospice care has become more widespread, these new programs are subjected to more rigorous insurance guidelines that dictate the types and amounts of medications used, length of stay, and types of patients who are eligible to receive hospice care. Thus, more patients are being served, but providers have less control over the services they provide, and lengths of stay are more limited. Patients receive palliative care in hospitals and in their homes.
What happens when you lose your spouse?
The death of a spouse is usually a particularly powerful loss. A spouse often becomes part of the other in a unique way: many widows and widowers describe losing ‘half’ of themselves. The days, months, and years after the loss of a spouse will never be the same, and learning to live without them may be harder than one would expect. The grief experience is unique to each person. Sharing and building a life with another human being, then learning to live singularly, can be an adjustment that is more complex than a person could ever expect. Depression and loneliness are very common. Feeling bitter and resentful are normal feelings for the spouse who is “left behind”. Oftentimes, the widow/widower may feel it necessary to seek professional help in dealing with their new life.
How do preschoolers approach death?
A preschooler may approach death by asking when a deceased person is coming back and might search for them, thinking that death is temporary and reversible. They may experience brief but intense reactions, such as tantrums, or other behaviors like frightening dreams and disrupted sleep, bedwetting, clinging, and thumbsucking. Similarly, those in early childhood (age 4-7), might also ask where the deceased person is and search for them, as well as regress to younger behaviors. They might also think that the person’s death is their own fault, as per their belief in the power of their own thoughts and “magical thinking.” Their grief might be expressed through play, rather than verbally (Amsler, 2015).
What is the meaning of bereavement?
Bereavement refers to outward expressions of grief. Mourning and funeral rites are expressions of loss that reflect personal and cultural beliefs about the meaning of death and the afterlife. When asked what type of funeral they would like to have, students responded in a variety of ways; each expressing both their personal beliefs and values and those of their culture.
How does exposure to death affect how we view death?
A person that has been exposed to death and the grieving process may be much more accepting of death being a natural part of the human lifecycle. Conversely, if a person has not been through that experience, the mere thought of it can be very scary. Society can also influence views on death.
What does it mean to believe in death?
Some cultures view death as a celebration of the person’s life and a time for happiness , whilst in other cultures the sadness and grief is highlighted. Our religion, spirituality and beliefs can influence how we view death. A belief in an afterlife can be very comforting to some people and make the process easier.
Can society influence death?
Conversely, if a person has not been through that experience, the mere thought of it can be very scary. Society can also influence views on death. Some groups in society are happy to talk about death, however for most people (in England) it can be seen as a morbid or taboo subject.
What is the leading cause of death in 65 years old?
65 years and over: 2,003,458: Diseases of the heart are the leading causes
What is the middle stage of a patient's life?
Middle stage: Further decline in mental status to becoming obtunded or slow arousal with stimulation and only brief periods of wakefulness. Patients often exhibit the "death rattle" which a noisy breathing pattern caused by a pooling of oral secretions due to the loss of the swallowing reflex.
What is the primary goal of palliative care?
The primary goal in treatment for patients is alleviating suffering. Hospice care and palliative care are often confused. Hospice care is the term given to the care provided when a patient is given a prognosis of death within 6 months, and they do not pursue curative treatments. They focus on improving the quality of life which can mean many things. Palliative care can be incorporated into the plan of care at any time for any patient who is experiencing suffering and wants to ease that suffering without directly treating the cause of that suffering. Someone may use palliative care in addition to curative treatments. Suffering may have many forms and the care provided should be multi-disciplinary. Some areas that may be addressed are spiritual with chaplain services; caregiver fatigue with community resources or a social worker; physical symptoms such as pain, nausea, constipation with a multimodal approach; and even a palliative care team leader to coordinate all the moving pieces and keep the family and patient aware of what is happening. It is important to establish a treatment goal together with the patient and family and understand that this goal may evolve. [5]
Why is continuity important in a discussion?
It is important to ensure that each party understands the information delivered in each session. A good technique is to Ask/Tell/Teach/Ask. Askthe patient or family member what they understand about the topic to be discussed to have a baseline for their knowledge. Then you can Tellthem the new information or Teachthem the new skill. Finally, Askthem to repeat back what you told or taught them in their words.
When gathering information about a patient and about a situation, it is important to create a calm environment?
When gathering information about a patient and about a situation it is important to create a calm environment and allow for the patient and their family to feel comfortable . Give them enough time to answer questions. Ensure that each party's goals have been discussed; the patient's, the family's, and the medical team's. [4][5]
Is death a part of life?
Death is a part of natural life; however, society is notorious for being uncomfortable with death and dying as a topic on the whole. Many caregivers experience a level of burden from their duties during end-of-life care. This burden is multi-faceted and may include performing medical tasks, communicating with providers, decision-making and possibly anticipating the grief of impending loss. Similarly, many healthcare providers across the spectrum of care feel unprepared to provide end-of-life care or communicate with patients and families about the complex topics related to death and dying. They can attribute this to the fact that during formal education these topics were not discussed or only briefly talked about.[1] It is imperative that patients and families have access to the care and support they require when entering a terminal phase of life. This phase is different for each patient, and the needs may differ for each patient and family, but it is vital for healthcare providers to provide care and support in a way that respects the patient's dignity and autonomous wishes.
Is death the end state of every disease?
Death is the end state of every disease process; however, each disease has a different progression and course. It is important to assess the patient for findings related to their underlying disease process as well as their needs related to the death and dying process.
How does death anxiety affect people?
Defensive reactions to personal trauma, separation issues, and especially death anxiety impact our lives at three distinct levels: 1 On an individual level, our reactions predispose withdrawal into a more inward, self-nurturing, and self-protective lifestyle; 2 On an interpersonal level, our responses can trigger a retreat from love or loving relationships and/or a generalized reaction or avoidance of intimacy and sexuality; and 3 At the societal level, our fear reactions reinforce the need to give up our individuality, conform to the conventions, beliefs or mores of a particular group, institution, or nation and subordinate ourselves to charismatic leaders or authority figures. Furthermore, the in-group identification polarizes us against people who look, believe, or act differently, potentially contributing to ethnic strife, religious persecution, religious wars, or warfare in general.
Why is fear of death important?
The fear of death arises as each child becomes aware of death’s inevitability. It is too painful to face our personal mortality directly without protecting ourselves, therefore some form of defense formation against the painful realization of death and dying becomes essential.
Why are judges exposed to death salience more moralistic?
Other studies showed that judges exposed to death salience tended to be more moralistic toward people whose behavior conflicted with society's social or moral codes. The group of judges that was exposed to death imposed sentences that were significantly harsher than the control group.
Why do we develop defensive strategies when we are aware of death?
Early in childhood, even before we are conscious of death, we develop defensive strategies to cope with emotional frustration and primitive separation anxiety. When faced with death awareness, these same defenses are intensified.
Why do we have fear reactions?
At the societal level, our fear reactions reinforce the need to give up our individuality, conform to the conventions, beliefs or mores of a particular group , institution, or nation and subordinate ourselves to charismatic leaders or authority figures. Furthermore, the in-group identification polarizes us against people who look, believe, or act differently, potentially contributing to ethnic strife, religious persecution, religious wars, or warfare in general.
Why is death so difficult to understand?
Death is often viewed as something that happens in older age. This can make the death of younger people especially difficult to understand. It can also mean that older people who are dying may receive less support or attention because their death is ‘expected’. Social. Dying and death do not happen in isolation from the rest of life.
How does spirituality affect death?
Spirituality can influence death rituals and beliefs about the afterlife. For some people they provide a source of meaning. For other people they can create a sense of conflict or distress. Some people have no experience with dying and can be fearful of what can occur.
