MOR 320 - Thanatology

1. Describe grief and basic psychological needs of the bereaved
   1. Demonstrate the application of general psychology to funeral service
   2.  List common needs of the bereaved
2. Apply the following theories of grief in a grief scenario
   1. Explain Lindemann’s Grief Syndrome
   2. Describe Bowlby’s Attachment Theory
   3. Explain Kubler-Ross’ Five Stages of Death
   4. Paraphrase Worden’s Tasks of Mourning
   5. List and describe Wolfelt’s Mourning (reconciliation) Needs
3. Describe typical grief reactions
   1. Define and apply bereavement, mourning and grief
   2. Summarize terminology related to grief
   3. Classify grief reactions by how they impact the bereaved
4. Synthesize typical responses to death and their variation based on developmental levels and cultural differences
   1. List common determinants of grief
   2. Define the common grief defense mechanisms
   3. Describe the grief mechanisms by how they may be demonstrated by the bereaved
5. Examine when to make referrals to the appropriate community or professional resources
   1. Identify the factors which may complicate grief
   2. Classify types of complicated grief reactions
   3. Describe personal resources for coping with loss and stress
   4. Develop strategies for self-care of the funeral practitioner
6. Differentiate between the types and styles of counseling therapy
   1. Describe the major goals of counseling as well as the functions of the counselor
   2. Differentiate between directive and non-directive styles of counseling
   3. Characterize the pre-need, at-need and post funeral counseling opportunities
   4. Utilize the basic counseling skills and techniques
7. Evaluate the sociological elements associated with social function and culture to funeral service grief
   1. Define sociology and its relationship to funeral service practices
   2. Classify contemporary social factors affecting funeral rites
   3. Describe how culture and social functions affect grief
8.  Evaluate how grief impacts families
   1. Identify the family governing systems found in contemporary society
   2. Explain how grief affects the family
   3. Describe changing social factors which affect funeral rites and families in grief
   4. Determine community impact on families and grief including hospice and palliative care
9. Describe issues relating to children and death
   1. Paraphrase a child’s understanding of death by age development
   2. Explain what not to say and what to say when explaining death to children
10. Synthesize the value and purposes of funeralization for family and friends 
    1. Assess the value of funeralization
    2. Identify similarities between funeralization and memorialization
    3. Describe the various elements of funeralization
    4. Describe how funeral components meet the needs of the bereaved
11. Paraphrase special types of grief
    1. Summarize grief associated with suicide
    2. Summarize grief associated with stillbirth, miscarriage and SUIDS (SIDS)
    3. Summarize grief associated with anticipated death