BMS Bachelor of Mortuary Science Grief and Bereavement Counseling Questions and Answers

Question 1

According to William Worden's "Tasks of Mourning" model, which task involves finding a way to maintain a bond with the deceased while also being able to continue living a full life?

Accepted Answer

To find an enduring connection with the deceased in the midst of embarking on a new life.

Answer

To accept the reality of the loss.

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To process the pain of grief.

Answer

To adjust to a world without the deceased.

Question 2

A funeral director is meeting with the adult children of a man who died by suicide. The family is hesitant to have a public service, expressing shame and fear of judgment from the community. The grief they are experiencing can best be described as:

Accepted Answer

Disenfranchised grief

Answer

Anticipatory grief

Answer

Delayed grief

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Collective grief

Question 3

From a psychological and therapeutic standpoint, which of the following is a primary function of a funeral or memorial service for the bereaved?

Accepted Answer

To provide a structured event that confirms the reality of the loss and allows for community support.

Answer

To prevent the bereaved from ever feeling sad about the loss again.

Answer

To satisfy the legal requirements for the disposition of the body.

Answer

To showcase the efficiency and professionalism of the funeral home.

Question 4

While Elisabeth Kübler-Ross's five-stage grief model is widely known, what is a primary criticism of the model that funeral directors should be aware of when supporting families?

Accepted Answer

Grief is not a linear process, and individuals may not experience the stages in order, if at all.

Answer

The model was only intended for financial loss, not the death of a person.

Answer

The stages are too few and should include at least ten distinct emotional states.

Answer

The model is highly rigid and only applies to individuals of a specific religious faith.

Question 5

A family is uncertain about allowing their 8-year-old child to attend a grandparent's viewing. What is the most appropriate advice a funeral director can offer?

Accepted Answer

Recommend preparing the child with simple, honest explanations, giving them the choice to attend, and ensuring a trusted adult is with them.

Answer

Insist that the child attends to prevent future psychological issues.

Answer

Advise using euphemisms like "Grandpa is just sleeping" to make it less scary.

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Suggest that the child is too young and should be shielded from the experience entirely.

Question 6

During an arrangement conference, a recently widowed individual expresses overwhelming feelings of despair, stating, "I don't know how I can live without my spouse." What is the funeral director's most appropriate role in this situation?

Accepted Answer

To act as a facilitator of the funeral process while providing empathetic listening and referrals to professional grief support resources.

Answer

To begin formal grief therapy sessions with the client to help them process their loss.

Answer

To minimize the client's feelings by saying, "You must be strong for your family."

Answer

To share a detailed story about a personal loss to show the client they are not alone.