SCS Grief & Bereavement Support 2

Question 1

Which theoretical framework describes grief as a process of 'continuing bonds' with the deceased rather than detachment?

Accepted Answer

Continuing Bonds Theory

Answer

Continuing Bonds Theory, developed by Klass, Silverman, and Nickman, challenges the idea that healthy grieving requires detachment, instead recognizing ongoing relationships with the deceased as normal.

Question 2

A widow expresses guilt that she laughed at a family dinner two weeks after her husband's death. The most appropriate spiritual care response is:

Accepted Answer

Reassure her that grief has no timeline and laughter is a normal part of healing

Answer

Normalizing the oscillation between grief and moments of joy is essential; laughter two weeks post-loss is a natural coping mechanism, not a sign of pathology.

Question 3

Disenfranchised grief is BEST described as:

Accepted Answer

Grief that society does not openly acknowledge or validate

Answer

Disenfranchised grief (Doka) refers to loss not publicly mourned or socially supported, such as the death of an ex-spouse, pet, or coworker.

Question 4

When providing bereavement follow-up after a patient's death, the spiritual care specialist's PRIMARY role is:

Accepted Answer

Offering presence, listening, and spiritual support to the bereaved

Answer

The spiritual care specialist's primary bereavement role centers on compassionate presence and spiritual accompaniment rather than clinical mental health intervention.

Question 5

Which type of loss is most likely to result in complicated grief due to lack of communal mourning rituals?

Accepted Answer

Miscarriage in the first trimester

Answer

Early pregnancy loss often lacks formal rituals or social acknowledgment, increasing the risk of disenfranchised and complicated grief.

(SCS) Spiritual Care Specialist Practice Test

(SCS) Spiritual Care Specialist Practice Test

SCS Grief & Bereavement Support 2