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

What distinguishes complicated grief (prolonged grief disorder) from normal grief according to DSM-5-TR criteria?

Answer: Persistent intense yearning and preoccupation with the deceased lasting beyond 12 months

The DSM-5-TR identifies prolonged grief disorder as intense yearning, preoccupation, and functional impairment persisting beyond 12 months in adults.

In dual process model of coping with bereavement developed by Stroebe and Schut, what does 'oscillation' refer to?

Answer: The natural movement between loss-oriented and restoration-oriented coping

Oscillation in the dual process model describes the healthy back-and-forth movement between confronting grief (loss-oriented) and attending to life changes (restoration-oriented).

Which federal regulation requires funeral homes to provide consumers with itemized pricing information, which can also serve as a supportive tool during grief-informed arrangement conferences?

Answer: The FTC Funeral Rule

The FTC Funeral Rule mandates that funeral providers give consumers itemized General Price Lists, which supports transparent and less stressful decision-making during arrangements.

A bereaved parent expresses guilt about feeling relief after their child's prolonged battle with a terminal illness. How should a funeral director best respond?

Answer: Normalize the response by explaining that relief after prolonged suffering is a common and valid emotion

Relief after a prolonged illness is a normal grief response, and normalizing this feeling helps reduce the added burden of guilt the bereaved parent is experiencing.

What is disenfranchised grief, and which of the following is the best example in a mortuary science context?

Answer: Grief that is not socially acknowledged, such as mourning the loss of an ex-spouse

Disenfranchised grief, defined by Kenneth Doka, occurs when a loss is not openly acknowledged or socially supported, such as grief over an ex-spouse or non-traditional relationship.

Which of the following aftercare services is considered a best practice for funeral homes to support long-term bereavement needs?

Answer: Hosting or referring families to community grief support groups

Facilitating or referring families to grief support groups is a recognized aftercare best practice that extends the funeral home's supportive role beyond the immediate service.