BMS FREE BMS Bachelor of Mortuary Science Psychology of Grief Counseling Questions and Answers 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which grief theorist proposed the concept of 'continuing bonds,' suggesting that maintaining a connection with the deceased is a healthy part of grieving?
- Dennis Klass (Correct answer)
- Elisabeth Kubler-Ross
- J. William Worden
- Therese Rando
Correct answer: Dennis Klass
Dennis Klass, along with Silverman and Nickman, introduced the continuing bonds theory, challenging the idea that grief requires severing ties with the deceased.
Question 2: A funeral director notices a bereaved spouse laughing while sharing stories at the visitation, then suddenly breaking into tears. This behavior is most consistent with which concept?
- Dual process model oscillation (Correct answer)
- Pathological grief reaction
- Denial stage of grief
- Emotional dissociation
Correct answer: Dual process model oscillation
The dual process model by Stroebe and Schut describes oscillation between loss-oriented and restoration-oriented coping, which includes shifts between sadness and positive emotions.
Question 3: When counseling a family from a collectivist culture, which approach is most appropriate for a mortuary science professional?
- Ask the family to identify their preferred mourning practices and rituals (Correct answer)
- Apply the standard five-stage grief model uniformly
- Encourage individual one-on-one grief sessions for each member
- Recommend they follow mainstream American funeral customs
Correct answer: Ask the family to identify their preferred mourning practices and rituals
Culturally competent grief counseling requires understanding that collectivist cultures often prioritize communal mourning, so asking the family about their preferences shows respect and sensitivity.
Question 4: A widow reports feeling the presence of her deceased husband three months after the funeral and asks the funeral director if she is 'going crazy.' What is the most appropriate response?
- Reassure her that sensing the presence of a deceased loved one is a common and normal grief experience (Correct answer)
- Suggest she seek psychiatric evaluation immediately
- Explain that this is a sign she has not accepted the death
- Advise her to avoid places that remind her of her husband
Correct answer: Reassure her that sensing the presence of a deceased loved one is a common and normal grief experience
Sensing the presence of a deceased loved one is a well-documented and normal grief experience reported by a significant percentage of bereaved individuals.
Question 5: In J. William Worden's task model of mourning, which task involves the bereaved person adjusting to a world in which the deceased is missing?
- Task III (Correct answer)
- Task I
- Task II
- Task IV
Correct answer: Task III
Worden's Task III focuses on adjusting to an environment without the deceased, including taking on new roles and developing new skills.
Question 6: Which factor is most likely to indicate that a bereaved individual may benefit from a referral to a licensed mental health professional rather than general grief support from a funeral director?
- Persistent suicidal ideation six months after the loss (Correct answer)
- Crying during the funeral arrangement conference
- Expressing anger toward medical professionals who treated the deceased
- Difficulty sleeping during the first two weeks after the death
Correct answer: Persistent suicidal ideation six months after the loss
Persistent suicidal ideation is a serious risk factor that exceeds the scope of a funeral director's grief support role and requires immediate referral to a licensed mental health professional.
BMS FREE BMS Bachelor of Mortuary Science Psychology of Grief Counseling Questions and Answers 2
Which grief theorist proposed the concept of 'continuing bonds,' suggesting that maintaining a connection with the deceased is a healthy part of grieving?