Question

Research Elisabeth Kubler Ross and the 5 Stages of Dying. Please make sure that you watch the videos( In the Lecture section in Course Material) and research the topic on the Internet. After reviewing this list the five stages of dying, explain each, and how could you help a dying patient go through each stage

Answer 1

Kubler-Ross having done extensive research with terminally I'll patients identified five stages of feelings and behaviour that individuals experience in response to a real ,perceived or anticipated loss.

Stage 1-Denial,this is a stage of shock and disbelief .The response maybe one of "No ,it can't be true!".Denial is a protective mechanism that allows the individual to cope with an immediate time-frame while organizing more effective defense strategies.

Stage 2-Anger"Why me?and "it is not fair !"are comments often expressed during the anger stage .Anger maybe directed at self or displaced on loved ones ,caregivers and even God .There maybe preoccupation with an idealized image of the lost entity.

Stage 3-Bargaining"if God will help me through this ,I promise I will go to church every Sunday and volunteer my time to help others".During this stage ,which is generally not visible or evident to others ,a bargain is made with God in an attempt to reverse or postpone the loss.

Stage 4 Depression During this stage the full impact of the loss is experienced .This is a time of quiet desperation and disengagement from all associations with the lost entity.

Stage 5Acceptance .The final stage brings a feeling of peace regarding the loss that has occurred.Focus is on the reality of the loss and it's meaning for the individuals affected by it.