1 of 17 Carol K. Sigelman, Elizabeth A. Rider Life-Span Human Development, 4th Edition Chapter 17: The Final Challenge: Death and Dying Chapter 17 Death & Dying

2 of 17 Carol K. Sigelman, Elizabeth A. Rider Life-Span Human Development, 4th Edition Chapter 17: The Final Challenge: Death and Dying Social Meanings of Death Modern American -Medical failure More traditional societies -Natural part of life cycle Grieving practices vary -By culture: Weeping/partying -By ethnicity: Wake/shiva

3 of 17 Carol K. Sigelman, Elizabeth A. Rider Life-Span Human Development, 4th Edition Chapter 17: The Final Challenge: Death and Dying Life Expectancy Expected age at death -U.S.: 76.5 years -White females: 80 years -White males: 75 years -Black females: 75 years -Black males: 68 years Ancient Rome: 30 years -Most deaths due to accidents early, disease later

4 of 17 Carol K. Sigelman, Elizabeth A. Rider Life-Span Human Development, 4th Edition Chapter 17: The Final Challenge: Death and Dying Figure 17.1

5 of 17 Carol K. Sigelman, Elizabeth A. Rider Life-Span Human Development, 4th Edition Chapter 17: The Final Challenge: Death and Dying Theories of Aging and Death Programmed theories -Maximum life span (species) -Has not changed much (even as M lifespan has) -Hayflick Limit (max # of possible cell divisions) -Shortening of telomeres (due to cell division) -Genetically determined aging processes -Progeria: genes inactive in elderly inactive in kids -Hypothalamus may regulate aging (ala puberty)

6 of 17 Carol K. Sigelman, Elizabeth A. Rider Life-Span Human Development, 4th Edition Chapter 17: The Final Challenge: Death and Dying Theories of Aging and Death Damage theories -Wear and tear -Free radicals (toxins of normal functioning) -Antioxidants may increase lifespan by inhibiting these Interaction of the two, or more -Nature + nurture -Caloric restriction, exercise, low stress, etc.

7 of 17 Carol K. Sigelman, Elizabeth A. Rider Life-Span Human Development, 4th Edition Chapter 17: The Final Challenge: Death and Dying Kulber-Ross’s Stages of Dying Common set of stage-like emotional responses -Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, Acceptance Criticisms -Not a stage-like process, not sequential -Course of illness not considered -Individual differences -Ego integrity v. despair

8 of 17 Carol K. Sigelman, Elizabeth A. Rider Life-Span Human Development, 4th Edition Chapter 17: The Final Challenge: Death and Dying Attachment Model of Bereavement Bereavement: The state of loss -Grieving: Emotional expressions -Mourning: Culturally approved reactions Parkes/Bowlby model (wide individual differences) -Numbness: in shock, daze, dream-like state -Yearning: grief, anger, guilt, separation anxiety -Disorganization & despair: depression, apathy -Reorganization: revise models of self/others, less investment in grieving, begin new relationships

9 of 17 Carol K. Sigelman, Elizabeth A. Rider Life-Span Human Development, 4th Edition Chapter 17: The Final Challenge: Death and Dying The Infant Object permanence Attachment: By 6 months -Separation anxiety at loss -Protest, yearning, searching, despair -Behavioral: eating, sleeping, regression Less distress if attached to other parent Eventual new attachments and recovery

10 of 17 Carol K. Sigelman, Elizabeth A. Rider Life-Span Human Development, 4th Edition Chapter 17: The Final Challenge: Death and Dying The Child The mature concept of death -Finality, irreversibility, universality, biological causality Age 3-5: Universality -Dead live under altered circumstances -Reversible: Like sleep Age 5-7: Finality, irreversibility Level of cognitive development and experience

11 of 17 Carol K. Sigelman, Elizabeth A. Rider Life-Span Human Development, 4th Edition Chapter 17: The Final Challenge: Death and Dying The Dying Child Young child aware of impending death Adults often secretive Same range of emotions as dying adults Anxiety revealed in behavior Parental control is helpful Need support of important others

12 of 17 Carol K. Sigelman, Elizabeth A. Rider Life-Span Human Development, 4th Edition Chapter 17: The Final Challenge: Death and Dying The Bereaved Child Children do grieve (reflects development) Express grief differently than adults do -Misbehavior, strike out, rage Lack adult coping skills -Will use denial, avoidance Most adjust successfully

13 of 17 Carol K. Sigelman, Elizabeth A. Rider Life-Span Human Development, 4th Edition Chapter 17: The Final Challenge: Death and Dying The Adolescent Higher levels of understanding May carry on internal dialogue with dead -Desire to maintain attachment (parents) Devastated at death of close friend -Importance of peers for development Adult-like grieving -Expression limited by fears of losing control -Act out w/ deliquent behavior or somatic complaints

14 of 17 Carol K. Sigelman, Elizabeth A. Rider Life-Span Human Development, 4th Edition Chapter 17: The Final Challenge: Death and Dying The Adult Death of family member difficult -Changes family dynamics, roles Death of spouse more expected with age -More difficult when young -Elevated levels of stress -Risk increases for illness, death (elderly) -Signs of recovery after 2 years

15 of 17 Carol K. Sigelman, Elizabeth A. Rider Life-Span Human Development, 4th Edition Chapter 17: The Final Challenge: Death and Dying The Loss of a Child No loss more difficult (child’s age irrelevant) Experienced as untimely, unjust Broken attachments Guilt at failure to protect child May continue relationship with dead child Marital problems increase afterwards

16 of 17 Carol K. Sigelman, Elizabeth A. Rider Life-Span Human Development, 4th Edition Chapter 17: The Final Challenge: Death and Dying The Loss of a Parent Lasting problems may occur if young Less tragic than unexpected death Adjustment not as difficult Guilt: Not doing enough for parent Broken attachment

17 of 17 Carol K. Sigelman, Elizabeth A. Rider Life-Span Human Development, 4th Edition Chapter 17: The Final Challenge: Death and Dying Grief Work Perspective Emotions must be confronted: detachment May be a culturally biased belief May actually cause more distress Delayed grief reaction not supported by research Detachment not necessary

18 of 17 Carol K. Sigelman, Elizabeth A. Rider Life-Span Human Development, 4th Edition Chapter 17: The Final Challenge: Death and Dying Who Copes and Who Succumbs Secure infant attachment related to coping skills Low self-esteem related to more difficulty Cause of death influences bereavement Support system essential Additional life stressors detrimental Positive outcomes often found

19 of 17 Carol K. Sigelman, Elizabeth A. Rider Life-Span Human Development, 4th Edition Chapter 17: The Final Challenge: Death and Dying Hospice Dying person decide what they need De-emphasized prolonging life Pain control emphasized Normal setting (if possible) Bereavement counseling for entire family Research shows positive outcomes