Developmental Psychology

Chapter 11: Death and Dying

Overview This is the final stage during the lifespan. In this chapter, we will be discussing the end stages of the lifespan. Again, as previous chapters have discussed, we will be discussing the physical, cognitive and emotional dimensions of the death and dying stage of life. Learning Objectives At the end of this chapter, you should be able to: • Understand the how the process of death can be an integral part of a person’s life cycle • Describe social contexts and cultural differences in the death and dying stage • Understand and list the five stages of dying created by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross • Understand and describe the Hospice Movement • Understand the concepts of grief and bereavement • Understand and describe the Four Stages of Grief 11.1 Attitude Toward Death Have you ever been told, when you have expressed the fear of dying that “death is just a part of life?” All cultures, communities, countries, experience and/or witness death. Throughout the years, social attitudes towards death has changed. Due to unknown statistics, previous years showed that the average lifespan was only 40 years, which a lot of people considered short. Now, in today’s age, the average lifespan is 80 years of age. One thing that people must realize is that death is now its’ own industry. This is regardless of it not being as common as it used to be. Looking at the past, death was a very accepted and normal part of life, even a sad part of life. In recent years, and currently, death is viewed as a fear, and people face denial one learning about death and coming close to the end of their lifespan. Different ages or stages of life react differently to death. Below are 3 categories; childhood, adolescents and adults and their take on death and dying. • Childhood o Children, especially young children under the age of 7 do not fully understand that death means that it is the end of life for a loved one o One thing that psychologists urge parents to do is to inform their children if there has been a death in the family. That it is important that they understand that it will happen one day. • Adolesc nts o During the adolescent years, there is not much worry about death and dying o Some adolescents believe that they are immune to death and dying o Some adolescents believe that dying and death will happen to others, but they will never experience it personally

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